The finish of the 2022 Tour of Flanders was one of the most memorable in recent history as Mathieu Van der Pol won and Tadej Pogachar, in the breakaway group, was caught by Dylan Van Baarle (Ineos Grenadiers) and Valentin Maduas (Groupama-FDJ) who had snatched second and third place. ) were caught and locked out of the podium in one of the most memorable moments in recent history.

In a video released Wednesday, Pogachar was shown in a rare moment of frustration after the race, confronting Van Baar, who had effectively sabotaged his sprint.

However, Van Baar revealed to Belgian media on Thursday that he received an apology from Pogachar via Instagram on Monday.

The confrontation came in the frenzied finale of the Tour of Flanders, where Van der Pol and Pogachar's 30-second advantage over Van Baarle and Maduas disappeared in an instant as the leaders slowed and looked at each other before the final sprint It was a brief one in the aftermath.

After Van der Pol began his battle for the lead, Maduas and Van Baar passed Pogachar and jumped on the Alpecin Phoenix rider, and as the line approached, Van Baar moved slightly to the right to enter the draft and block Pogachar's acceleration.

Moments later, Pogachar confronted Van Baar after the goal.

"These things happen in sprints," Van Baar said, gesturing angrily at the Tour de France champion.

Van Baar and Pogachar separately denied the incident: after the finish, he did not say "congratulations." Pogachar, on the other hand, admitted that he was angry with himself for failing to make the finale.

"In the moments right after the race I wasn't happy because I didn't make it to the sprint. I wasn't angry with anyone, just frustrated with myself."

Afterwards, however, he was able to look back on his debut Tour de Flanders and enjoy the atmosphere.

"I love this race. I love this race. It was a really great race. The team was super and perfect. I was alone with Mathieu [van der Pol] in the finale and the atmosphere on the way up was amazing."

Pogachar will next compete in La Flèche Wallonne before defending his title in Liège-Bastogne-Liège.