In a sport where the line between triumph and defeat can often be razor-thin, Mathieu van der Poel’s decision to skip the Strade Bianche in favor of the upcoming Tirreno-Adriatico has turned heads. The Dutch star, who has become a household name for his aggressive style and blistering finishes, chose to forgo one of the most iconic one-day races on the calendar, a move that has since sparked considerable debate and raised questions about his preparation for the rest of the season. Yet, in a twist that no one saw coming, van der Poel has been quick to offer praise to the man who stole the show in Tuscany—Tadej Pogacar.
Pogacar, the 24-year-old Slovenian phenom, delivered an awe-inspiring performance at the Strade Bianche, one of the most grueling races on the UCI WorldTour calendar. His ride was a testament to his abilities, combining endurance, power, and tactical brilliance as he outclassed his rivals on the iconic white gravel roads of Tuscany. As Pogacar crossed the line to take the win, Mathieu van der Poel was watching from afar, and the reaction was candid and reflective.
“I realized that it will be difficult to beat Tadej,” said van der Poel in a statement that resonated across the cycling community. “His performance at Strade Bianche was incredible. You can’t deny the strength he showed—he demonstrated why he is one of the best in the world. It’s tough to say this early in the season, but it was a ride that commanded respect.”
Van der Poel’s comments offer a rare glimpse into the mind of one of cycling’s fiercest competitors. As a rider known for his aggressive approach to racing, he’s typically not one to shy away from the battle. Yet, his words about Pogacar’s dominant performance suggest a recognition of the Slovenian’s sheer class, and perhaps a quiet admission that the road ahead will be a challenge.
The Decision to Skip Strade Bianche
The cycling world had been buzzing about van der Poel’s unorthodox early-season strategy even before Pogacar’s Strade Bianche triumph. After securing victory at Le Samyn just a week earlier, van der Poel made the surprising decision to skip the Strade Bianche, a race that has become synonymous with the grit and determination of riders who thrive on the gravel sectors. Instead, van der Poel chose to direct his focus toward the Tirreno-Adriatico, a race that begins this Monday.
The choice was a notable one for a rider who has traditionally targeted one-day races and spring classics, including the Strade Bianche. However, as the calendar year begins to unfold, van der Poel’s decision to bypass one of the sport’s most iconic events raises an interesting question: Is the Dutchman preparing for a different kind of season, one that may involve less emphasis on the Spring classics and more on stage races and other major goals?
“It’s a bit different this year,” van der Poel explained. “After Le Samyn, I felt that my form was progressing, and I want to make sure I’m in top shape for the Tirreno-Adriatico. Strade Bianche is a tough race, and I didn’t want to risk my form too early in the season. This is a long season, and there are a lot of races ahead. I think skipping Strade Bianche is a smart move for me right now.”
While van der Poel’s decision raised eyebrows among fans and pundits alike, it is not entirely without precedent. Over the years, more and more riders have been opting for longer, more varied race programs, focusing their efforts on multi-stage events like the Tirreno-Adriatico, Paris-Nice, and the Tour de France. Van der Poel’s approach, which contrasts with the typical lead-up to the cobbled classics, suggests that he has a long-term view of his objectives for the season.
“I want to focus on Tirreno and build up my condition for the bigger races that come later in the year,” van der Poel continued. “It’s not about the Strade Bianche for me right now, but I’m certainly watching it closely, and I can’t help but admire what Tadej did.”
Tadej Pogacar: A Superstar in the Making
Pogacar’s performance at Strade Bianche has not just been the talk of van der Poel’s camp—it has set the cycling world ablaze. The young Slovenian has already achieved remarkable feats in his career, including two Tour de France victories, but his win in Tuscany marked something different: a true statement of intent for the season ahead.
Pogacar’s ride at Strade Bianche was both tactical and relentless, as he seized control of the race with a series of aggressive moves that put his rivals on the back foot. The white gravel roads of Tuscany are notoriously difficult, often sending even the most seasoned riders into survival mode. Yet, Pogacar’s strength was undeniable as he dominated the race, leaving behind a trail of elite competitors.
The defining moment of his victory came on the final gravel sector of the day when Pogacar launched a powerful attack that not only shattered the peloton but also left his main rivals—like the highly regarded Julien Alaphilippe and van der Poel’s teammate, Jasper Philipsen—scrambling to keep up. The Slovenian showed his remarkable versatility, mixing brute strength with fine-tuned racecraft to fend off any challenges. By the time he crossed the finish line, Pogacar’s victory was already a foregone conclusion, and his jubilant celebration spoke volumes about how much the win meant to him.
“It’s an incredible feeling to win Strade Bianche,” Pogacar said after the race. “I’ve always loved the race, and this year everything just came together perfectly. The team did an amazing job helping me throughout the race, and I just gave it everything in the final kilometers. It’s a special feeling to add this victory to my list of achievements.”
Indeed, Pogacar’s victory in Tuscany is yet another confirmation that he is more than just a two-time Tour de France winner—he is a force of nature in cycling. With the likes of van der Poel, Wout van Aert, and Primoz Roglic all positioning themselves as contenders for the biggest races of the year, Pogacar’s triumph at Strade Bianche only strengthens his reputation as one of the best all-round riders of his generation.
The Rivalry and Respect Between Van der Poel and Pogacar
Despite their occasional clashes on the bike, there is mutual respect between Mathieu van der Poel and Tadej Pogacar. Both riders have dominated different corners of the cycling world in recent years, with van der Poel becoming the undisputed king of cross-country, cyclocross, and one-day classics, while Pogacar has solidified himself as the future of grand tours and stage races.
As van der Poel pointed out, Pogacar’s win at Strade Bianche was a reminder of just how difficult it will be to beat the Slovenian this year. With the UCI WorldTour calendar heating up, the two riders are expected to go head-to-head in a series of races, including the Tour de France. But for now, van der Poel’s acknowledgement of Pogacar’s form and strength speaks to the level of respect these two giants of cycling have for each other.
“Tadej is just on another level right now,” van der Poel said. “You don’t win a race like Strade Bianche unless you are incredibly strong, and he showed that he is at the top of his game. I’ll keep fighting, but it’s clear that he’s going to be one of the toughest riders to beat this season.”
While the rivalry between van der Poel and Pogacar promises to add even more intrigue to what is already shaping up to be an exhilarating season, there’s no doubt that the mutual respect between these two stars only fuels the anticipation of their future battles on the road.
As the 2025 cycling season unfolds, all eyes will be on the upcoming major races, including the Tour de France, where van der Poel and Pogacar are likely to meet again. With both riders focused on their specific goals, one thing is certain: the battle between van der Poel and Pogacar is only just beginning, and the world of cycling is in for one thrilling ride.