Pogacar Insists He Is Fully Recovered From Milan-San Remo Crash Ahead of Flanders
Tadej Pogacar has dismissed all lingering concerns about injuries sustained in his dramatic Milan-San Remo crash, insisting he is in perfect health as he prepares to defend his title at the Tour of Flanders on Saturday. The World Champion crashed just before the Cipressa, the opening climb of the final assault, yet somehow managed to chase back through the peloton and overtake rival Mathieu van der Poel on the Via Roma to claim his second consecutive Classic victory.
The sheer audacity of that recovery has obscured the physicality of the impact itself. For days after the race, speculation swirled through the professional peloton about potential internal injuries, nerve damage, or skeletal fractures that might only manifest during the rigours of competitive racing. Such concerns, while natural given the violence of Pogacar's tumble, have proven premature. The UAE Team Emirates-XRG leader has been "ultra-enthusiastic" in his public demeanour throughout the days since Milan-San Remo, laughing off questions about his crash and demonstrating the kind of physical exuberance that brooks no doubt about his fitness.
Pogacar's confidence ahead of Flanders is rooted in genuine conviction. He is the defending champion, having claimed the 2025 edition with a devastating solo attack that netted him a one-minute victory margin over Mads Pedersen and Van der Poel. That performance, one of the most commanding ever witnessed on the cobbles, proved that Pogacar possesses the specific skills required to conquer cycling's most unforgiving terrain. Now he seeks to become the eighth three-time winner of the Ronde van Vlaanderen, joining an exclusive club of riders who have conquered the race on three separate occasions.
UAE Team Emirates-XRG has assembled a formidable support structure around their leader, with Brandon McNulty and Egan Bernal del Toro offering tactical nous and aggressive racing prowess. McNulty in particular brings considerable cobbled credentials, while del Toro's climbing ability provides insurance against the steep approaches to certain sectors. The team appears fully confident in Pogacar's condition and capability.
As the peloton gathers at the Antwerp start line on Saturday morning, Pogacar will face formidable opposition from Van der Poel, Wout Van Aert, and emerging star Remco Evenepoel making his Flanders debut. Yet the defending champion's early-season form, his demonstrated ability to recover from adversity, and his ultra-confident demeanour suggest he should not be underestimated. The question is not whether Pogacar is fit, but whether even his exceptional form can withstand the combined assault of Van der Poel and the elements themselves.