This weekend marks a significant milestone in cycling: the 10th anniversary of Peter Sagan’s unforgettable victory at the Tour of Flanders in 2016. To commemorate this iconic win, renowned photographer John Thomson presents a captivating photo gallery. Often considered the most prestigious one-day Classic, particularly by Flemish fans, De Ronde van Vlaanderen witnessed Sagan’s brilliance a decade ago, and Thomson’s collection offers a diverse look back at that triumph and other defining moments of his career.
Photographer John Thomson reflects on his collection: “This special Peter Sagan Photo Gallery celebrates the 10th anniversary of his Tour of Flanders win in 2016. It’s a comprehensive look at his career highlights, encompassing not only Flanders but also Roubaix, Strade Bianche, and his memorable performances in Quebec City and Montreal. The gallery also features newspaper coverage of his victories, images of his formidable rivals like Tom Boonen, Fabian Cancellara, Greg Van Avermaet, Philippe Gilbert, and Julian Alaphilippe, and even touches on tragic news events from that period.”
The 100th edition of the Ronde van Vlaanderen in 2016.
Peter Sagan and Tom Boonen battling on the Oudenaarde cobbles during the 100th Ronde.
A special Ronde bidon, adorned with the names of past champions.
Peter Sagan triumphs at the 100th Ronde.
Three-time winner Fabian Cancellara secured second place in his final Ronde appearance in 2016.
Enthusiastic fans in Ronse witness Sagan’s ride to victory.
“Rock ‘n’ roll in De Ronde.” (Photo: Het Nieuwsblad/Belga)
Sagan navigating the Mariaborrestraat in 2016.
Belgian beer and morning newspapers celebrating the victory.
Relaxed and posing in Kortrijk on the Wednesday between his Flanders victory and Paris-Roubaix in 2016.
Enjoying beer and cheese in Bruges.
Sagan consulting with his mechanic in Kortrijk after a training ride.
A film screening at the Tour of Flanders museum in Oudenaarde.
Sagan at Flanders in 2017.
The iconic bicycle of “The Cannibal” (Eddy Merckx) displayed at the Tour of Flanders museum.
Riding to the sign-on at Flanders in 2018.
Race programs ready for eager fans.
Tragic news from Brussels in 2016, less than two weeks before the Tour of Flanders.
Heightened security measures across Belgium and France in 2016.
A poignant moment in “Flanders Fields.”
Sagan battling through the infamously muddy Strade Bianche in 2018.
Sagan finished 8th here in 2018, having narrowly missed victory in both 2013 and 2014.
Victory at the 2016 Grand Prix Cycliste de Québec.
Relaxing with fans in Quebec City in 2016.
Action from the Grand Prix Cycliste de Québec in 2016.
With his brother Juraj during an off-day before his Quebec victory in 2017.
At the 2017 Grand Prix Cycliste de Montréal.
Sharing a laugh with future double World Champion Julian Alaphilippe in Quebec City, 2016.
Another formidable rival, Julian Alaphilippe, winning Strade Bianche in 2019.
A true fan favorite, outside the iconic Fairmont Le Château Frontenac in Quebec City.
Another victory at the Grand Prix Cycliste de Québec in 2017.
Fans eagerly await the World Champion at the Fairmont Le Château Frontenac in Quebec City.
The 2016 Grand Prix Cycliste de Montréal.
Belgian legend Tom Boonen making his sole appearance at the Grand Prix Cycliste de Montréal in 2016.
The leading group entering the André Pétrieux Vélodrome at the 2016 Paris-Roubaix.
Mathew Hayman pushing for victory alongside Boonen, Vanmarcke, Stannard, and Boasson Hagen at the 2016 Paris-Roubaix.
Tom Boonen narrowly missed a historic fifth Paris-Roubaix win in 2016.
Will Mathieu van der Poel equal Tom Boonen and Roger De Vlaeminck with four Paris-Roubaix victories, or will 2026 be “Pogi’s” year?
Peter Sagan just outside the top ten at the 2016 Paris-Roubaix.
Sagan with Greg Van Avermaet and Oliver Naesen, shortly before the infamous “jacket incident” at the 2017 Tour of Flanders, won by Philippe Gilbert.
Bad luck, including punctures and a crash, plagued Sagan’s 2017 Paris-Roubaix.
Sagan celebrating his victory at the 2018 Paris-Roubaix, alongside 2019 winner Philippe Gilbert.
Sagan and Silvan Dillier battling it out at the 2018 Paris-Roubaix.
A day of triumph for Sagan, overshadowed by tragedy for Michael Goolaerts at the 2018 Paris-Roubaix. (Photos: Gazet van Antwerpen/Belga)
Two great sportsmen: Sagan and Dillier.
A glorious victory. (Photo: Gazet van Antwerpen/Belga)
A triumphant roar worthy of The Hulk.
At the Roubaix finish in 2017.
Always a crowd of fans waiting.
Greg Van Avermaet claiming victory at the 2017 Paris-Roubaix.
Sagan secured 5th place at a cool and windy 2019 Paris-Roubaix.
A challenging end for Sagan, forced to abandon after a major crash at the 2023 Ronde.
Riding his final Strade Bianche in 2023.
Always a beloved figure among fans.