1.04.2024
The Ronde van Vlaanderen marks the second Monument of the cycling season and the second one with Tudor Pro Cycling on the start line. It is a race deeply rooted in the culture of the region. The event is known to be of almost religious importance and draws hundreds of thousands of people to watch the spectacle along the roads of Flanders.
The race is of equal importance to the Tudor Pro Cycling Team since it was the first time the team took part in the event. Even more important is the connection team owner Fabian Cancellara has with the race. Spartacus won the race three times in his illustrious career. The legacy of Fabian Cancellara was palpable wherever the team was present. Within seconds of the team’s arrival, media and fans stormed to the bus to get an ITV or a photo with the former champion.
As usual he tried to fulfill as many wishes as possible and used every chance to deviate the spotlight to the team. Rightfully so since the team already showed its potential during this year’s cobbled-classics campaign. Top -10 spots in Omloop Het Nieuwsblaad and Kuurne-Brussel-Kuurne as well as a very strong showing of Matteo Trentin in last week’s E3 Binck Bank Classics and Gent-Wevelgem promised a lot for the biggest of all Belgian Cobbled Classics.
With high hopes the team set off in Antwerp and made its way deeper and deeper into the Flemish Ardennes where the renowned cobbled climbs called “Hellinge” awaited the riders. Strong winds and rain after about 3 hours made the race even tougher than it already is. With 270 kilometers and more than 2’300 meters of climbing, the “Ronde” is a war of attrition. It was no different in 2024. Early attacks by some of cycling’s biggest names made the race even harder. The final selection happened with around 45 kilometers to go on the Koppenberg where the wet mud led to many riders having to walk up the steep climb.
Only three riders were able to ride the whole climb. One of them was World Champion Mathieu van der Poel, whose attack on this very climb led to him soloing to victory. It was his third victory in this race equaling the record of six other former pros who were able to win the Ronde van Vlaanderen three times as well. One of which is no other than Fabian Cancellara.
His team’s hopes did not quite come to fruition. Matteo Trentin was Tudor Pro Cycling’s best finisher. He ended the race as a very solid 19th. Who knows what would have been possible if not for a technical issue right when the race was entering its deciding phase. It wasn’t for a lack of effort and execution. Head of Sports Ricardo Scheidecker who has many “Rondes” under his belt mentioned that the conditions made it to one of the toughest editions ever and praised the character and moral of his riders. “You can be proud of how you rode today!”. For sure the young team under the guidance of Matteo Trentin was able to learn for future participations in the Tour of Flanders.
