Mathieu van der Poel Sets to Taking Down Tadej Pogačar!

In a sport dominated by extraordinary feats of physical prowess, psychological endurance, and razor-sharp tactics, two names frequently emerge as defining forces: Tadej Pogačar and Mathieu van der Poel. The Slovenian two-time Tour de France winner and the Dutch classics specialist are inarguably two of the most exciting riders of this generation. But in recent weeks, Van der Poel has hinted at a significant ambition: to narrow the gap between himself and Pogačar, who he describes as a cycling phenomenon that forces others to reassess what’s possible in the sport.
In a candid interview, Van der Poel, known for his explosive riding style and heroic victories in some of the world’s most prestigious one-day races, opened up about his aspirations, training, and the challenges of competing against a rider like Pogačar.
A Riveting Rivalry in the Making?
At the heart of this story lies the brewing rivalry between the two cycling icons. Pogačar, just 25 years old, has already achieved feats that place him in the upper echelon of cycling history. His dominance in stage races, versatility across different terrains, and uncanny ability to perform under pressure have made him a benchmark for excellence in modern cycling.
On the other hand, Van der Poel, celebrated for his aggression and relentless pursuit of victory, has carved out a legendary status in the classics. He recently added the UCI World Championship title and Paris-Roubaix to his glittering palmarès, cementing his status as one of the greatest riders of the modern era.
And yet, Van der Poel openly admits that Pogačar represents a level he is striving to reach. “I sometimes ride behind him too,” Van der Poel said with a wry smile, referring to moments during races when Pogačar’s sheer power and pace left him on the back foot. “He’s on another level when it comes to climbing and stage racing, but I believe I can make the gap smaller.”
Closing the Gap: What Does It Take?
For Van der Poel, the road to bridging the gap is far from straightforward. As a rider with a heavy emphasis on one-day races and cyclocross, his training, race calendar, and physiological strengths differ significantly from those of Pogačar, whose career revolves around grand tours and week-long stage races.
But Van der Poel’s ambitions are clear: he’s not just chasing more classics titles but aiming to enhance his performance in stage races, which demand a blend of endurance, strategy, and high-altitude climbing. “It’s not about becoming a pure climber overnight,” Van der Poel explained. “It’s about improving the areas where I feel I’m lacking. I don’t need to beat Tadej on every mountain; I just need to be closer.”
Pogačar: The Reluctant Benchmark
Interestingly, Pogačar himself has been humble about his dominance, often crediting his success to a combination of hard work, team support, and timing. But for other riders like Van der Poel, Pogačar’s performances have forced them to rethink their approaches to training and racing.
“You watch him, and you realize there’s no room for error,” Van der Poel remarked. “Tadej is the kind of rider who can exploit the smallest weakness. He doesn’t just race to win; he races to dominate.”
The Slovenian’s recent dominance in races like the Tour of Flanders—typically Van der Poel’s hunting ground—underscored the breadth of his talent. For a rider like Van der Poel, who thrives on confidence and control, such performances serve as both a wake-up call and a motivator.
Can Van der Poel Adapt?
Adapting to compete with a rider like Pogačar is easier said than done. Van der Poel’s racing style—aggressive, high-risk, and often relying on instinct—contrasts sharply with Pogačar’s more calculated and consistent approach. But Van der Poel believes his unique strengths give him an edge.
“I don’t want to become a different rider,” he said. “What makes me successful is my ability to read races, attack when no one expects it, and take risks. But I know I need to improve in other areas, like pacing myself on long climbs and recovering better during stage races.”
Balancing Specialization and Versatility
One of the most challenging aspects of modern professional cycling is the growing demand for versatility. Riders like Pogačar, Wout van Aert, and Van der Poel have redefined what it means to be a “specialist.” The lines between sprinters, climbers, and classic riders have blurred, with all-rounders like Pogačar winning everything from mountain stages to cobbled classics.
Van der Poel, while not aiming to become a grand tour contender, recognizes the importance of evolving as a rider. “Cycling is changing,” he acknowledged. “You can’t just focus on one thing anymore. To stay at the top, you need to be good at everything.”
The Psychological Edge
Beyond physical performance, Van der Poel sees mental strength as a crucial factor in competing with Pogačar. “He’s not just physically strong; he’s mentally very sharp,” Van der Poel said. “You can see it in how he handles pressure, how he stays calm in crucial moments. That’s something I’m working on too.”
Indeed, Van der Poel’s career has seen its fair share of dramatic highs and devastating lows. From his stunning solo victory at the 2023 World Championships to his struggles in the 2023 Tour de France, the Dutchman knows the importance of resilience. “Cycling is a sport where you have to bounce back quickly. Every loss is a lesson, and every win is a stepping stone.”
What the Fans Think
The rivalry between Van der Poel and Pogačar has sparked heated debates among cycling fans. While some see Pogačar as the superior all-rounder, others argue that Van der Poel’s charisma, versatility, and aggressive racing style make him the more entertaining rider to watch.
Social media has been ablaze with comments following Van der Poel’s recent remarks. Some fans view his ambition to close the gap as a sign of healthy competition, while others question whether it’s realistic. “Pogačar is on another planet,” one fan tweeted. “Van der Poel is amazing, but the gap is huge.”
Looking Ahead
As the 2024 cycling season approaches, all eyes will be on the dynamic between these two titans of the sport. With Van der Poel vowing to up his game and Pogačar showing no signs of slowing down, fans can expect fireworks in races ranging from the spring classics to the grand tours.
“I’m not afraid of the challenge,” Van der Poel said confidently. “If anything, it motivates me. Tadej is an incredible rider, but every great champion has their weaknesses. It’s my job to find them.”
Whether or not Van der Poel succeeds in closing the gap remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: cycling fans are in for a thrilling ride. As the sport continues to evolve, so too will the rivalry between these two extraordinary athletes—each pushing the other to new heights and redefining the limits of human performance.
In the end, Van der Poel summed it up best: “It’s not about beating Tadej every time. It’s about making him realize that I’m always there, breathing down his neck.”