Pogačar Wins Third Tour of Flanders Amid Crossing Probe

Tadej Pogačar claimed his third Tour of Flanders victory on Sunday, powering away from rivals on the Oude Kwaremont and Paterberg to finish solo in Oudenaarde, Belgium, but the race's early stages drew scrutiny after dozens of riders crossed a railway crossing against a red light, prompting a criminal investigation by Belgian authorities.

The incident occurred roughly 70 kilometers into the 270-kilometer men's classic, when the front of the peloton, including Pogačar of UAE Team Emirates and Remco Evenepoel of Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe, passed through the crossing in Wichelen moments before a train approached. Red warning lights were active, though barriers had not yet descended. An estimated 54 riders ignored the signal, splitting the bunch and leaving competitors such as Mathieu van der Poel of Alpecin-Deceuninck and Wout van Aert of Visma-Lease a Bike halted on the other side.

East Flanders prosecutors confirmed all involved riders have been identified and are under formal investigation for a fourth-degree traffic offense, the most severe under Belgian road code. Potential penalties include fines from 320 to 4,000 euros, an eight-day driving ban, and appearances before a police...