Mathieu van der Poel on Pogacar: “If We All Just Say Tadej Is Going to Win, We Might as Well Hand Him the Jersey Now”
In the world of professional cycling, rivalries and competitive mind games are just as important as physical prowess. Recently, Dutch cycling sensation Mathieu van der Poel made headlines with a candid remark about two-time Tour de France winner Tadej Pogacar. Van der Poel, a powerhouse in both road racing and cyclocross, addressed the growing narrative around Pogacar’s dominance in the peloton. “If we all just say Tadej is going to win, we might as well hand him the jersey now,” van der Poel remarked, indicating his belief that the narrative around Pogacar could be dangerous for the competitive spirit of the sport.
Van der Poel’s comments highlight not only Pogacar’s undeniable strength as a rider but also the psychological games that unfold within the professional peloton. This article will explore the dynamics between Mathieu van der Poel and Tadej Pogacar, their individual racing styles, the significance of van der Poel’s remarks, and the larger implications for the sport of cycling as a whole.
The Rise of Tadej Pogacar
To understand van der Poel’s statement, it’s crucial to first recognize the meteoric rise of Tadej Pogacar. The Slovenian cyclist took the professional world by storm when, at just 21 years old, he won the Tour de France in 2020. It wasn’t just the victory that impressed cycling aficionados, but the way Pogacar claimed it—by launching an unforgettable attack in the penultimate stage, turning the general classification on its head and snatching the yellow jersey from his rival Primoz Roglic.
In 2021, Pogacar returned to the Tour de France, this time as the clear favorite, and repeated his triumph with a commanding performance that left no doubt about his talents. In addition to his overall wins, Pogacar’s versatility has been on full display with victories in prestigious one-day races such as Liège-Bastogne-Liège and his dominance in multi-stage races like the UAE Tour and Tirreno-Adriatico.
Pogacar’s combination of climbing prowess, time-trialing ability, and tactical intelligence has placed him on a pedestal as the current standard-bearer in professional cycling. His dominance in the Tour de France and his victories in a wide array of races have cemented his reputation as one of the best all-around cyclists of his generation.
Mathieu van der Poel: A Cycling Phenomenon
While Tadej Pogacar has been making headlines in grand tours, Mathieu van der Poel has been establishing himself as a force in the world of cycling, but through a different pathway. Van der Poel’s versatility across disciplines has earned him legions of fans. Whether it’s his dominant performances in cyclocross, where he is a multi-time world champion, or his stunning wins in classics like the Tour of Flanders and Strade Bianche, van der Poel has shown that he is a rider capable of excelling in multiple formats.
What sets van der Poel apart from many riders is his explosive racing style. Unlike many grand tour specialists, van der Poel is known for his ability to light up races with unexpected attacks and sheer power. His ride in the 2021 Tour de France, where he wore the yellow jersey for six days, demonstrated his capability on the biggest stage. His aggressive and unpredictable approach to racing has made him one of the most exciting riders to watch, and he has gained a reputation for being a rider who never shies away from a challenge.
Despite van der Poel’s talents, his focus has been different from Pogacar’s. While Pogacar’s primary target is the general classification in grand tours, van der Poel has leaned towards one-day classics and shorter stage races. However, both riders have made significant impacts in the cycling world, and their paths are increasingly crossing.
Van der Poel’s Remarks: A Call for Real Competition
Van der Poel’s comment about handing Pogacar the jersey early reflects the growing sentiment that Pogacar’s dominance in stage races and his versatility in other formats are making him the presumed favorite for many major races. Van der Poel’s words, however, are more than just an observation; they carry an underlying message about the need for competitive balance and the psychological battle that is ever-present in cycling.
By saying, “If we all just say Tadej is going to win, we might as well hand him the jersey now,” van der Poel is calling attention to a larger issue in professional sports: the danger of assuming inevitability. In cycling, as in any sport, much of the battle is mental. Once a rider is deemed unbeatable, it can shift the dynamics in the peloton, causing competitors to ride conservatively or second-guess their strategies rather than taking the fight to the race leader.
Van der Poel’s remarks could be seen as an attempt to counteract that mindset. By acknowledging Pogacar’s strength but refusing to concede the race to him before it even begins, van der Poel is reminding his peers that, while Pogacar may be the favorite, the race is far from a foregone conclusion. It’s a psychological strategy aimed at maintaining a fighting spirit within the peloton, encouraging riders to challenge Pogacar head-on rather than resigning themselves to his dominance.
The Importance of Mental Strength in Cycling
Cycling is as much about mental fortitude as it is about physical strength. Riders often speak about the mental toll that grand tours, in particular, take over the course of three weeks of racing. It’s not just about having strong legs; it’s about staying focused, resisting the pressure, and knowing when to attack or defend.
The battle for psychological supremacy often begins long before riders even line up at the start. Comments like van der Poel’s can plant seeds of doubt or motivation in the minds of rivals. In this case, van der Poel’s words may serve as a rallying cry for the peloton to fight harder, to not let Pogacar’s dominance intimidate them before the race has truly begun.
Pogacar, for his part, has shown immense mental toughness to complement his physical talents. He has repeatedly delivered in the biggest moments, even when faced with adversity. However, the mental aspect of facing constant expectations and being the marked man in every race can wear on any rider, no matter how strong.
By bringing attention to this, van der Poel is essentially laying down the gauntlet—not just to Pogacar but to the entire field. He is urging his competitors to remember that, no matter how dominant Pogacar appears, every race presents its own set of opportunities, and nothing is guaranteed in the chaotic and unpredictable world of professional cycling.
Van der Poel vs. Pogacar: The Rivalry We Didn’t Expect
Although van der Poel and Pogacar specialize in different types of races, the cycling world has seen their rivalry begin to take shape in high-profile events. Both riders’ versatility means that their paths inevitably cross in races like the Tour of Flanders, Strade Bianche, and other one-day monuments.
One of their most notable battles came in the 2022 edition of Strade Bianche, a race known for its white gravel roads and demanding terrain. Pogacar launched an incredible solo attack more than 50 kilometers from the finish, leaving the peloton scrambling to chase him down. Van der Poel, despite his best efforts, could not reel in the Slovenian star, and Pogacar claimed a famous victory. This duel exemplified the growing rivalry between the two, with Pogacar proving his dominance on the day, but van der Poel remaining close on his heels.
Van der Poel’s comment about Pogacar may also reflect a growing desire for him to challenge the Slovenian on an even broader scale. While van der Poel has focused on classics and shorter races, there is increasing speculation that he could one day target a grand tour, which would pit him against Pogacar in the ultimate endurance challenge. Van der Poel’s explosive power and tactical savvy could make him a dark horse in the future of grand tours, especially if he dedicates his preparation to races like the Tour de France or Giro d’Italia.
What This Means for the Future of Cycling
Van der Poel’s remarks have the potential to shape the narrative around Pogacar’s dominance and how the peloton responds to his supremacy in races. If more riders adopt van der Poel’s mindset, we could see more aggressive tactics from competitors unwilling to let Pogacar dictate the race. The result could be a more dynamic and unpredictable racing environment, with multiple contenders challenging for victory rather than conceding to Pogacar’s brilliance.
In the broader context, van der Poel’s statement serves as a reminder of the importance of competition in sports. While Pogacar’s dominance is exciting to watch, it is the tension between rivals and the possibility of unexpected outcomes that make cycling thrilling for fans. Van der Poel’s call for continued competition, rather than resignation, may reignite that spirit among the peloton and create the kind of thrilling races that make cycling one of the most captivating sports in the world.
Mathieu van der Poel’s comments about Tadej Pogacar—”If we all just say Tadej is going to win, we might as well hand him the jersey now”—are a bold and thought-provoking reflection on the current state of professional cycling. Pogacar’s dominance is undeniable, but van der Poel’s remarks underscore the importance of mental resilience and competition in keeping the sport exciting and unpredictable.
As the cycling world looks ahead to future battles between these two incredible athletes, van der Poel’s mindset may inspire the peloton to challenge Pogacar’s supremacy more aggressively. Whether on the cobbled roads of Flanders or the high mountain passes of the Tour de France, van der Poel and Pogacar
