Tiesj Benoot believes rival teams are making a critical tactical mistake in the Spring Classics by riding on the front and effectively helping the sport’s two dominant forces, Tadej Pogačar and Mathieu van der Poel. According to the Belgian, smarter racing — not more power — is the only way to challenge the duo’s growing monopoly in one-day racing.
Speaking as he prepares for a new chapter with Decathlon–CMA CGM in 2026, Benoot was clear that too many riders are resigning themselves to racing for second place when Van der Poel and Pogačar are in the peloton.
“We all have to stop riding at the front when Van der Poel and Pogačar are there. I don’t understand that,” Benoot told In de Leiderstrui. “In my opinion, that’s racing for second place: if you start helping them…”
From Visma to Decathlon: Benoot’s new Classics role
After four seasons at Visma | Lease a Bike, where he played a key support role in Jonas Vingegaard’s two Tour de France victories, Benoot will join Decathlon–CMA CGM in 2026. While his Grand Tour credentials are proven, the 31-year-old is expected to be a cornerstone of the French team’s Classics ambitions.
Benoot’s own Spring 2025 campaign underlined his consistency at the highest level. He finished 6th at the Tour of Flanders, 8th at Amstel Gold Race, and 13th at Liège–Bastogne–Liège, reinforcing his reputation as one of the most reliable all-round Classics riders in the peloton.
Van der Poel and Pogacar’s grip on the biggest races
The numbers underline Benoot’s concern. In the last nine Monuments or World Championships where Van der Poel and Pogačar have both started, one of the two has gone on to win. The only exception was Milan–San Remo 2024, where Van der Poel played a decisive role in teammate Jasper Philipsen’s victory, while Pogačar still managed a podium finish in third.
That level of dominance, Benoot argues, should force other teams to rethink how they race — especially in finals that have become increasingly attritional.
“Now that Pogačar has started riding the Classics and Van der Poel has taken a big step forward, it has become almost utopian for many riders,” Benoot said. “But something could happen to them too, and of course they don’t ride everything.”
‘Tactics no longer play a role’ — but they should
Benoot pointed to races like the Tour of Flanders, which have been made so difficult that traditional tactics often disappear entirely.
“The Tour of Flanders has been made so difficult that tactics no longer play a role. In addition, UAE is also very strong,” he explained.
Still, Benoot believes that alternative approaches — particularly aggressive, long-range racing — can at least test the resolve of the sport’s strongest riders.
Inspiration from Pedersen and Simmons
As an example, Benoot highlighted the racing style of Mads Pedersen and Quinn Simmons at Lidl–Trek, whose willingness to attack early has created opportunities even against superior opposition. Simmons’ fourth place at Il Lombardia 2025, following a bold early move, stood out as a blueprint Benoot admires.
“I like to see someone like Quinn Simmons racing. And that also applies to Mads Pedersen,” he said.
Monument ambitions remain — with realism
While Benoot already boasts prestigious victories at Strade Bianche (2018) and Kuurne–Brussels–Kuurne (2023), he was measured when discussing the possibility of winning a first Monument.
“I wouldn’t call it a dream,” he said. “Of course I still have ambitions, but I also know that it won’t radically change my life anymore.”
For Benoot, the motivation lies in being present when the races are decided.
“What I personally enjoy very much is riding in the finals of those races. Being able to play your part on the biggest days. For me, everything has to come together to be able to win.”
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