For Tadej Pogacar Remco Evenepoel could be an ally, but the world champion is also aware that the Tour of Flanders with the Belgian's presence will be even more unpredictable. Even the flat sections between the climbs have suddenly become dangerous: "Remco can try to attack in the most unthinkable place. And if he manages to get a few meters ahead, he could try to go away".

During the UAE Emirates press conference, all eyes were on Pogacar, who was immediately asked whether Evenepoel could be a formidable opponent. "From my point of view, it's good that Remco is here. He likes to attack from far away and loves hard races from start to finish - said the Slovenian with great serenity - In his recent races, we've seen once again that he's someone who always gives his all for victory. But obviously: he's also someone we mustn't lose sight of".

At UAE Emirates XRG they know that the Ronde has become even more unpredictable with Remco. There won't be a fixed scenario, but the points where riders will need to pay attention remain the same: the second climb of Oude Kwaremont – Paterberg – Koppenberg – Taaienberg – Hotond.

Evenepoel's specific qualities mean that things can change suddenly even in the intermediate sections. Pogacar is well aware of this: "With Remco you never know where things will go. He can attack in the most unthinkable places, even on flat terrain. We'll need to be ready. If he creates a significant gap, it would be very difficult to catch him".

Remco could become an awkward customer, but if the wind is against him, he won't be able to use his aerodynamic qualities. Currently, headwinds are forecast from the Molenberg to the second climb of Oude Kwaremont.

Pogacar is, of course, the undisputed king of long-range attacks, but he pointed out in recent days that in the classics it's far from a guarantee of success. As a recent example, we have Van Aert who was caught right before the finish line at Dwars door Vlaanderen.

The peloton has become smarter, according to Pogacar: "Teams have finally understood that there's still plenty of time available if someone attacks sixty kilometers out. And that it's therefore better to work together rather than attack each other on the climbs. It was interesting to see how a large group worked well together at Gent-Wevelgem and Dwars door Vlaanderen".

Pogacar didn't want to rule out the chances of success from a long-range attack, either from himself or Evenepoel, but wanted to specify that there could be multiple scenarios: "The Tour of Flanders is a different race, harder (compared to Across Flanders). We'll have to see how the situation evolves, but it's possible that we'll reach the finish with a larger group".