Van Aert and Pedersen up, Van der Poel down: Where do Pogačar’s rivals stand as the Classics heat up?

The Classics season is rapidly approaching its crescendo, with E3 Saxo Classic and Gent-Wevelgem acting as crucial precursors to the Tour of Flanders. As the peloton gears up, the form of key contenders is under intense scrutiny. While Mads Pedersen has demonstrated strong early-season results and Wout van Aert recently secured a dominant victory at Kuurne-Brussels-Kuurne, Mathieu van der Poel’s early performances have been notably subdued, raising questions about his readiness for the cobbled monuments.

This fluctuating form among the sport's titans sets a compelling stage, particularly as Tadej Pogačar, last year's Flanders victor, looms large without the burden of early-season expectations. Van Aert's Kuurne win, while impressive, came without his arch-rival present, leaving a true head-to-head still anticipated. Van der Poel's quiet start, following a demanding cyclocross season, contrasts sharply with previous years where he often hit the ground running. Pedersen, meanwhile, is consistently proving he's more than just a dark horse.

Ultimately, the early Classics merely serve as an elaborate, high-stakes dress rehearsal. The true measure of these riders won't be taken until the finish lines of Harelbeke and Wevelgem, and certainly not until the Paterberg on Easter Sunday.