Mohorič and Segaert Head Bahrain Victorious Lineup for Ronde van Vlaanderen

# Mohorič and Segaert Lead Bahrain Victorious into the Tour of Flanders

On April 5, Bahrain Victorious will tackle the 110th edition of the Tour of Flanders, known locally as “Vlaanderens Mooiste” and acclaimed as one of cycling’s premier races. Renowned for its passionate fans and challenging cobbled climbs, this Monument embodies the heart of the sport.

The race will commence in Antwerp, with the team presentation at Grote Markt and the starting line along Ernest Van Dijckkaai, where throngs of cycling enthusiasts will greet the riders right from the start. This year’s route will feature 16 climbs, distinctly marked by a change that replaces Steenbeekdries with Marlboroughstraat, but maintains the race’s classic characteristics.

The first 100 kilometers of the route wind through the beautiful Flemish countryside, with Herzele highlighted as this year’s “Village of the Tour.” The cobbled sectors dutifully begin after approximately 110 km, with the iconic Oude Kwaremont making its appearance at 136 km from the finish line.

As the race progresses, participants will face a grueling series of climbs, and well-known hills such as the Paterberg and Koppenberg will play crucial roles in determining the outcome. Central to the excitement will be the infamous Oude Kwaremont–Paterberg leg, culminating just 13 km from the finish in Oudenaarde after a staggering 278 km.

Bahrain Victorious Sports Director, Nikolas Maes, expressed optimism for the event: “We have a strong squad that performed well in last week’s Classics. We remain realistic: a top ten would already be a solid result for us, especially considering the level at the start, with riders like Remco Evenepoel, Tadej Pogačar, and Mathieu van der Poel.”

Maes elaborated on the race strategy, noting, “It’s not necessarily a complicated race tactically, but it will be extremely hard. I expect a very aggressive race, possibly opened early by strong teams. If we can get riders like Alessandro Borgo or Matevž Govekar into a good position early on, that would be very valuable.”

The focus will ultimately shift to Alec Segaert and Matej Mohorič. “We stay realistic with a top ten as our goal,” Maes remarked, underscoring the unpredictable nature of the Tour of Flanders.

Mohorič stated, “With all the big favorites at the start, I expect one of the fastest editions of the Tour of Flanders. I’m feeling better with every race, but in these races, good legs alone are not enough, especially against such a strong field. I believe that if we keep racing as a team and take our opportunities, everything can come together. We will give our best and aim for a big result.”

Segaert, looking forward to his second Tour of Flanders, remarked, “I’m starting with a lot of motivation after some good Classics. It’s always a special day in Flanders, where this race is almost sacred. Everyone is watching, and the crowds on the climbs are incredible.”

With an intense battle approaching, both Mohorič and Segaert prepare to make their mark, hoping to capture the glory of “Flanders’ Finest” on this momentous day.