Tadej Pogačar vs. Mathieu van der Poel: The Battle for Monument Glory at Liège-Bastogne-Liège
The 2024 cycling season has been nothing short of extraordinary, with two of the sport’s most iconic figures, Tadej Pogačar and Mathieu van der Poel, emerging as the protagonists of one of the fiercest rivalries in recent history. As the season marches towards its climax, all eyes are set on Liège-Bastogne-Liège, one of the five prestigious Monuments of cycling, where Van der Poel is on the cusp of achieving something truly historic.
Van der Poel stands on the brink of becoming the first rider in nearly half a century to claim victory in three of the season’s five Monument races. Having already stormed to victories at Milan-San Remo and Paris-Roubaix earlier this year, the Dutch phenom needs just one more triumph at Liège-Bastogne-Liège to match the monumental feat of Eddy Merckx, who won three Monuments in a single season back in 1975.
However, standing in Van der Poel’s path to cycling immortality is none other than Tadej Pogačar, the Slovenian sensation whose all-around talent and tactical genius make him a formidable opponent in any race he enters. Pogačar, who is the defending champion at Liège-Bastogne-Liège, is no stranger to success in the Monuments and has become a dominant force in the peloton, capable of turning any race into a showcase of his climbing prowess, explosive accelerations, and race intelligence.
The five Monuments—Milan-San Remo, Tour of Flanders, Paris-Roubaix, Liège-Bastogne-Liège, and Il Lombardia—are considered the pinnacle of one-day racing. Winning any one of these races can define a rider’s career. For Mathieu van der Poel, whose palmarès already includes victories in the Tour of Flanders (2020, 2022), Paris-Roubaix (2023), and Milan-San Remo (2024), a victory at Liège-Bastogne-Liège would elevate him into an elite class of riders who have conquered multiple Monuments in a single season.
In contrast, Tadej Pogačar, though primarily known for his Grand Tour successes—including two Tour de France titles—has steadily built an impressive one-day racing résumé. His triumphs at Liège-Bastogne-Liège (2021, 2023) and Il Lombardia (2021, 2022) demonstrate his ability to shine in the sport’s most prestigious and grueling one-day events. Winning Liège-Bastogne-Liège once again would solidify his status as one of the most versatile riders of his generation.
This season has been particularly special for Van der Poel, whose performances at Milan-San Remo and Paris-Roubaix were nothing short of spectacular. At Milan-San Remo, Van der Poel made a decisive move on the legendary Poggio climb, launching a devastating attack that left his rivals in the dust, including Tadej Pogačar and Wout Van Aert. His victory at Paris-Roubaix was equally remarkable, as he powered through the treacherous cobbled sectors to take a commanding win at the Roubaix velodrome.
Victory at Liège-Bastogne-Liège would not only make Van der Poel the first rider since Eddy Merckx to win three Monuments in a single season, but it would also place him among the all-time greats of the sport. The Dutchman’s unique blend of explosive power, endurance, and tactical acumen has made him a threat in every race he enters, and his hunger for success at the biggest races is unparalleled.
While Van der Poel’s focus is firmly on history, Tadej Pogačar has his own ambitions heading into Liège-Bastogne-Liège. The Slovenian has made the Ardennes Classics one of his playgrounds, particularly at La Doyenne, where his climbing ability and race-winning instincts have proven decisive in past editions. As the defending champion, Pogačar is fully aware of what it takes to conquer the 258-kilometer challenge, which includes the fearsome climbs of the Côte de La Redoute and Côte de la Roche-aux-Faucons.
Pogačar’s tactical brilliance was on full display during his 2023 victory, where he expertly timed his attack on La Roche-aux-Faucons to distance his rivals and solo to victory. His ability to read the race, sense the right moment to strike, and execute with precision makes him a dangerous competitor in any scenario.
Moreover, Pogačar has shown this season that his form is as good as ever, with victories at the Tour of Flanders and Amstel Gold Race already under his belt. His success at these races not only underscores his one-day race pedigree but also highlights his incredible versatility. While Van der Poel is focused on Monument glory, Pogačar’s motivation will be equally high, as he seeks to defend his title and add another Monument victory to his growing list of accomplishments.
The clash between Van der Poel and Pogačar at Liège-Bastogne-Liège promises to be one of the most thrilling showdowns of the 2024 season. Both riders bring different strengths to the table: Van der Poel’s raw power and punchy accelerations are perfectly suited to the demands of the race’s shorter climbs, while Pogačar’s endurance and climbing prowess make him a natural contender on the more sustained ascents that define the latter part of the race.
Tactically, the race could unfold in a number of ways. Van der Poel, known for his aggressive racing style, may look to make his move early, using the steep climbs to test his rivals and force a decisive selection. Pogačar, on the other hand, is more patient and calculating, often waiting until the final decisive moments to launch his attack. His ability to manage the race’s attritional nature and deliver a well-timed acceleration has worked to perfection in the past.
There is also the possibility of team dynamics playing a role. Van der Poel’s Alpecin-Deceuninck team, though strong, may find itself outnumbered by Pogačar’s UAE Team Emirates, which boasts several strong climbers who can help control the race and support their leader in the decisive moments. How the teams manage the race will be crucial in determining the outcome.
For Van der Poel, the opportunity to etch his name into the history books looms large. Winning three Monuments in a single season is a rare and extraordinary achievement, one that would elevate him to a level of greatness that few riders have reached. Eddy Merckx, often regarded as the greatest cyclist of all time, was the last rider to accomplish such a feat in 1975, and to join the ranks of Merckx is a dream that drives Van der Poel.
But for Pogačar, the desire to maintain his dominance at Liège-Bastogne-Liège and thwart Van der Poel’s bid for history is equally compelling. While his career has already seen numerous accolades, a third Liège title would solidify his status as a Monument specialist and reaffirm his place among the legends of the sport.
As the peloton lines up for Liège-Bastogne-Liège, the tension will be palpable. Tadej Pogačar and Mathieu van der Poel, two of cycling’s brightest stars, are set to go head-to-head in a battle that transcends the race itself. For Van der Poel, victory would mean an unprecedented place in cycling’s pantheon. For Pogačar, it’s about defending his turf and adding another glorious chapter to his already stellar career.
No matter the outcome, cycling fans are in for a thrilling spectacle. Liège-Bastogne-Liège has always been a race of endurance, strategy, and grit, and with these two titans at the forefront, the 2024 edition promises to be one for the history books. Will Van der Poel etch his name into Monument history, or will Pogačar once again prove to be the master of La Doyenne? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: we are about to witness a race for the ages.
