Race analysis, favourites, and predictions for Ronde van Vlaanderen 2025

Next Sunday, the Ronde van Vlaanderen marks one of the most significant dates on the calendar for cycling fans worldwide. However, in Flanders, this day goes beyond our sport and is even more important than official celebrations. From the start in Bruges to the legendary climbs like the Oude Kwaremont and the Paterberg, the roads are filled with flags featuring the Flemish Lion, devoted fans, and an atmosphere that blends sports, folklore, and festivity.

 
Men’s Race: Route and Favorites

The men’s race covers 269 km with 2,000 meters of elevation gain, with the iconic cobbled climbs playing a crucial role. The first major attacks usually happen at the Koppenberg (0.6 km at 8.1%), located 40 km from the finish. The final duo, Oude Kwaremont (1.4 km at 4.6%) and Paterberg (0.4 km at 8.3%), often decides the race.

In 2025, a titanic duel between Mathieu Van der Poel (800) and Tadej Pogačar (1200) is expected, just like in 2023. Anything other than a victory for one of these two would be a major surprise. Mads Pedersen (1200) and Filippo Ganna (800) are in peak form, but even that may not be enough to surpass the Slovenian and the Dutchman.

Other contenders for top positions include Wout Van Aert (1200), Matteo Jorgenson (1000), Biniam Girmay (1000), Stefan Küng (800), Matteo Trentin (600), Jasper Stuyven (400), Tim Wellens (400), Jonathan Narváez (400), Alberto Bettiol (400), Nils Politt (200), and Tiesj Benoot (400), among others.

 
Women’s Race: Route and Favorites

The women’s race covers 169 km—100 km less than the men’s—but features the same key points: the Koppenberg, the Oude Kwaremont, and the Paterberg.

Top favorites include Lotte Kopecky (1200), Elisa Longo Borghini (1200), Katarzyna Niewiadoma (1200), Marianne Vos (1000), Marlen Reusser (1000), Shirin Van Anrooij (800), Cecilie Uttrup Ludwig (1000), Anna van der Breggen (200), and Puck Pieterse (600).

 
Photo: © Ronde Van Vlaanderen / Flanders Classics