Tadej Pogačar Praises Mathieu van der Poel: Recognizing One of the Greatest of Their Time
In the ever-evolving world of professional cycling, few riders manage to etch their names in the annals of the sport as quickly and indelibly as Tadej Pogačar and Mathieu van der Poel. While Pogačar has dominated the Grand Tours with his explosive climbing and tenacity, van der Poel has dazzled the cycling world with his multi-discipline versatility, thrilling spectators on both road and cyclo-cross tracks. Recently, Pogačar publicly expressed his admiration for van der Poel, hailing him as one of the greatest cyclists of their era.
This mutual respect between two of the most talented riders of their generation highlights the unique bond and competitive spirit they share, despite the differences in their specializations. Pogačar, known for his remarkable Grand Tour victories, particularly in the Tour de France, sees in van der Poel a rider who embodies the essence of cycling greatness, transcending categories and disciplines.
Mathieu van der Poel’s versatility has made him a standout figure in modern cycling. The Dutchman has excelled in multiple cycling disciplines, winning world titles in cyclo-cross and setting the road-racing scene alight with spectacular victories in prestigious one-day races. His extraordinary talent across various cycling platforms, including mountain biking, road racing, and cyclo-cross, marks him as a true multi-dimensional rider. From his thrilling victory in the 2019 Amstel Gold Race to his triumphant 2021 Tour of Flanders win, van der Poel has constantly redefined the boundaries of what’s possible on a bike.
For Pogačar, it’s van der Poel’s ability to excel across such varied formats that has earned his respect. “Mathieu is simply one of the greatest riders of our time,” Pogačar has remarked in interviews. “To dominate in cyclo-cross, then transition to road racing and win races in such style, is something that not many riders can achieve. He is a phenomenal athlete, and watching him race is always an inspiration.”
Despite their differences in focus — Pogačar being more geared toward stage races and van der Poel excelling in classics — the two riders have found themselves competing head-to-head in key moments of the cycling calendar. One such instance was during the 2021 Tour of Flanders, where Pogačar, traditionally a stage racer, surprised many by challenging the classics specialist van der Poel all the way to the finish. In what became one of the most thrilling editions of the race, van der Poel ultimately prevailed, but Pogačar’s performance underscored the incredible rivalry between the two.
For Pogačar, it wasn’t the defeat that mattered. Instead, it was the mutual respect and competitive drive that stood out. “That race was one of the toughest I’ve ever done, and to battle it out with someone like Mathieu was special,” Pogačar admitted. “He has such an incredible instinct for racing — he’s aggressive, smart, and knows exactly when to make the move. To me, that’s what makes him one of the greats.”
One of the reasons Pogačar holds van der Poel in such high regard is the Dutch rider’s pure passion for cycling. Van der Poel, much like Pogačar, comes from a family steeped in cycling tradition. His grandfather, the legendary Raymond Poulidor, was a fan-favorite who made history despite never winning the Tour de France, and his father, Adri van der Poel, was a cyclo-cross world champion. This legacy, combined with van der Poel’s natural talent and relentless work ethic, has propelled him to the top echelons of the sport.
Pogačar sees in van der Poel a cyclist who races with heart, someone who is driven not just by victories but by a love for the sport. “When you see Mathieu racing, you can tell he’s doing it because he loves it,” Pogačar noted. “That’s something we both share. We ride because we love cycling, and I think that’s why we’ve both been able to achieve so much.”
Though Pogačar has made a name for himself as one of the most dominant Grand Tour riders of recent years, his admiration for van der Poel reflects a broader recognition that cycling greatness comes in many forms. Pogačar’s ability to see beyond his own achievements and appreciate van der Poel’s success in other realms speaks to the camaraderie and sportsmanship that defines their relationship.
“Mathieu’s wins in the classics, his performances in cyclo-cross, and even his stint in mountain biking — it’s all incredible,” Pogačar commented. “He’s a rider who can do everything, and in a way, he pushes all of us to be better. Competing against him makes me a better rider.”
This high praise from Pogačar is significant, considering his own illustrious career at such a young age. The Slovenian rider has already secured two Tour de France titles and continues to be one of the most feared climbers and all-around riders in the peloton. Yet, despite his own accolades, Pogačar remains in awe of van der Poel’s versatility and achievements across different cycling disciplines.
As Pogačar and van der Poel continue to define modern cycling, fans and pundits alike are treated to a unique era where two giants of the sport are simultaneously in their prime. While their paths don’t always cross, their encounters — whether in the classics or the occasional stage race — provide thrilling moments of competition that are eagerly anticipated by cycling enthusiasts.
For Pogačar, racing alongside and against van der Poel is a privilege. “We’re in a special time in cycling right now, where you have riders like Mathieu who are pushing the sport forward in so many ways. I’m just happy to be part of it,” he remarked humbly.
As both riders continue to build their legacies, one thing is clear: their mutual admiration and competitive spirit will continue to elevate their performances and inspire future generations of cyclists. Whether it’s Pogačar dominating the mountain stages of the Tour de France or van der Poel lighting up the cobbled classics, both riders are etching their names into the sport’s storied history.
And in Pogačar’s eyes, Mathieu van der Poel has already secured his place among the all-time greats, a sentiment that many in the cycling world would echo.
