On Sunday, April 2, 2023, history was made in the Tour of Flanders when 24-year-old Tadej Pogačar crossed the finish line in Oudenaarde as the victor. An incredible feat, not held by many, Pogačar is just the third cyclist to conquer both the Tour de France and the notoriously difficult Ronde van Vlaanderen. With his victory, Pogačar joins the ranks of legendary cyclists such as Louison Bobet and Eddy Merckx in the annals of professional cyclists.
The 273-kilometer, six-hour battle was a spectacle filled with excitement and action. Crashes, long chases, powerful accelerations and a refusal to give up drew out emotions from both fans and experienced professionals like Mathieu van der Poel and Wout van Aert. Thanks to photographer Chris Auld, the world was able to bear witness to this huge Tour of Flanders Race and a special moment in cycling history.
Tadej Pogačar is a Slovenian cyclist who achieved fame by winning the 2019 Vuelta a España. He had previously achieved several successes at the national and international levels, including the president’s championship in the Under-23 category and the overall title at the Tour of Slovenia. He further established his talents by winning the 24th stage of the Tour de l’Ain in 2019 and by winning the Tour de l’Avenir in 2020. Now, with his Tour of Flanders victory, he stands as one of only three riders to have accomplished such a feat.
Chris Auld is a professional cycling photographer from Scotland well known for his high-quality photos captured at races. He has been shooting for pro cycling teams and companies for over 10 years and has become the go-to photographer for national and international races. Auld has traveled around the world capturing some of the greatest cycling moments in history and his photos continue to inspire and bring enjoyment to cycling fans around the world. With his stunning photos, Auld was able to document another remarkable moment in the 2023 Tour of Flanders when Tadej Pogačar achieved his victory.
