Mathieu van der Poel said he started his sprint well in the final of the Tour of Flanders 2021, but quickly realised he didn’t have the strength to beat Kasper Asgreen.
Van der Poel, winner of the 2020 edition of the cobbled Monument, looked to be the favourite to win this year’s race into the final kilometre, as he faced a two-rider sprint with Deceuninck - Quick-Step’s Asgreen.
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Professional riders need more protection from mindless 'fans' at major races to avoid another Mathieu van der Poel Paris-Roubaix bottle incidentCycling's authorities must do everything within their power to prevent spectators from assaulting riders
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'It was like a stone hitting my face' - Mathieu van der Poel calls for 'legal action' after bottle incident at Paris-RoubaixThe winner was hit by a bottle in the face on Templeuve, sector 8b
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Mathieu van der Poel secures Paris-Roubaix hat-trick after epic duel with Tadej PogačarDutchman takes his third win in a row after Pogačar crashes on the cobbles, while Mads Pedersen finishes third
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British team blocked from competing in key Spring ClassicsHess Cycling not invited to Amstel Gold Race
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Tadej Pogačar must attack from range at the Tour of Flanders - taking Mathieu van der Poel to the line is not an optionSlovenian must look to replicate his Oude Kwaremont attack from 2023 if he wants to guarantee being first across the line in Oudenaarde
