thecyclingdane

Gent-Wevelgem 2026 delivered absolute chaos. Mathieu van der Poel and Wout van Aert tore the race apart with a brutal long-range move, looking set to decide the race between them as the peloton struggled to respond.
But in a dramatic twist, the chase came back together in the final kilometres — and from the wreckage of their efforts, Jasper Philipsen emerged to take the victory in a sprint finish.
In this episode, we break down how Van der Poel and Van Aert nearly pulled off one of the most dominant rides of the season, what went wrong in the finale, and how Philipsen capitalised on the moment to win Gent-Wevelgem 2026.

2026 is shaping up to be one of the most thrilling seasons in recent cycling history. Tadej Pogačar has already stormed to victory at the Strade Bianche and Milan–San Remo, while Jonas Vingegaard has claimed Paris–Nice and is on the verge of winning the Volta a Catalunya.
In this episode, we sit down with Jens Voigt to get his take on the fiercest rivalry in modern cycling. Voigt breaks down what separates Pogačar and Vingegaard, who he thinks has the edge in 2026, and what this season tells us about the future of the sport.
Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just love elite-level cycling drama, this conversation gives an insider’s perspective on two of the most dominant riders of our era.

Mathieu van der Poel punished his rivals and held off a relentless chase to claim a thrilling three-peat at the 2026 E3 Saxo Classic. We break down his decisive attacks, the valiant pursuit by Per Strand Hagenes and Florian Vermeersch, and all the key moments that shaped this cobbled classic.

Join Patrick Blake (Ow Do Cycling) and Scott (thecyclingdane) in this episode where we break down the race formerly known as Gent-Wevelgem for the 2026 edition.
Now rebranded as In Flanders Fields: From Middelkerke to Wevelgem, this historic Classic enters a new era — but the prestige, chaos, and tactical brilliance remain very much intact.
We dive deep into everything you need to know ahead of race day. From the controversial name change to the subtle but important route tweaks, including the earlier run through De Moeren and the ever-decisive triple ascent of the Kemmelberg, this year’s edition promises crosswinds, attacks, and a brutal selection before the run-in to Wevelgem.
The start list is absolutely stacked. Mathieu van der Poel returns with unfinished business, Wout van Aert looks to convert strong early-season form into a win, and defending champion Mads Pedersen aims to make it four victories in this race despite a disrupted preparation. Add to that a loaded sprint field featuring Jasper Philipsen, Jonathan Milan, and rising talents like Matthew Brennan — and you’ve got one of the most unpredictable editions in years.
We also take a look back at recent history, Pedersen’s dominance, how the race has evolved away from bunch sprints, and why Gent-Wevelgem — or In Flanders Fields — has become one of the most tactically fascinating races on the calendar.
Breakaways vs bunch sprint? Crosswinds or controlled chaos? Revenge rides and comeback stories — it’s all on the table.
This is your full preview of In Flanders Fields 2026.

The E3 Saxo Bank Classic returns on March 27, kicking off the heart of the cobbled classics season. Often called the “little Tour of Flanders,” this 208km race shares iconic climbs like the Paterberg and Oude Kwaremont, making it a crucial preview of the Tour of Flanders.
In this episode, we break down the newly updated 2026 route, including a double ascent of the Oude Kwaremont and the introduction of the E3-Col, and what it means for race tactics. We also look at the key contenders, with defending champion Mathieu van der Poel chasing a third straight win, while Mads Pedersen returns from injury to challenge him.
From race history and legends like Tom Boonen to the riders to watch and how the race could unfold, this is your complete preview of one of the most important one-day races of the spring.