The cycling world is abuzz with the dominance of two standout athletes: Tadej Pogacar and Mathieu van der Poel. Since the 2023 Lombardia, only Jasper Philipsen, Van der Poel's teammate, has triumphed in a Monument, showcasing the duo's overwhelming control in one-day racing. Van der Poel's former coach, Michel Cornelisse, highlights his exceptional qualities, describing him as not just a great rider but also a fantastic person with a normal personality. This makes him a favorite among fans and peers alike.
Both cyclists are incredibly close to achieving the ultimate goal of winning every Monument. Van der Poel has already claimed three (3x Roubaix, 3x Flanders, 2x SanRemo), and with his teammate's recent success in Milano-Sanremo 2024, the duo's dominance is undeniable. The next challenge could be Liege-Bastogne-Liege, a race that Pogacar has dominated in recent years, leaving Van der Poel with a challenging yet achievable goal.
Cornelisse attributes Van der Poel's success to his compact racing schedule, allowing him to give his all on the most crucial days without exhausting himself in preparation races. This strategy is also evident in Pogacar's approach, who, like Van der Poel, focuses on winning rather than just participating. Pogacar's incredible training regimen is evident in his solo 3-hour session with an average power output of 300 watts, a feat that Van der Poel matches or even surpasses in his intense training sessions.
Despite Pogacar's impressive skills, Van der Poel remains a formidable opponent, having stopped Pogacar's advance in key races like Milano-Sanremo and Paris-Roubaix. Cornelisse acknowledges Pogacar's potential to become the first rider to win all the classics but notes that Van der Poel's slightly better final sprint often poses a challenge for Pogacar. The cycling world eagerly awaits the outcome of these talented athletes' future races, knowing that their rivalry will only intensify their pursuit of excellence.
