Filippo Pozzato: “Mathieu van der Poel is Really the Best Rider for One-Day Races” Despite Tadej Pogačar’s Brilliance
In a sport filled with exceptional talent, Filippo Pozzato, former Italian cyclist and one-day race specialist, believes that Mathieu van der Poel is the absolute best when it comes to one-day races. Despite the all-around brilliance of Tadej Pogačar, Pozzato sees Van der Poel as the rider to beat in these specific events.
Mathieu van der Poel’s Edge in One-Day Racing
Van der Poel’s explosive power, technical ability, and tactical awareness make him the ideal rider for single-day classics. His aggressive style of racing, combined with his ability to perform under high pressure, has consistently set him apart. Pozzato argues that this makes Van der Poel uniquely suited for the unpredictable and intense nature of one-day races, where a single moment can determine the winner.
“Van der Poel has a natural gift for these races. He has the punch to attack at just the right moment, and his bike-handling skills are unmatched, especially in tough conditions,” says Pozzato. “His victories in races like the Tour of Flanders and Amstel Gold Race prove that he has a special instinct for these one-day events.”
The Challenge of Tadej Pogačar
While acknowledging Van der Poel’s dominance in one-day races, Pozzato also highlights the brilliance of Tadej Pogačar, who has emerged as one of the most complete riders in recent years. Pogačar’s ability to perform in grand tours and his growing success in classics cannot be ignored. With victories in prestigious one-day races like Il Lombardia and Liège-Bastogne-Liège, Pogačar has shown that he can challenge even the best specialists.
“There’s no doubt that Pogačar is an incredible talent. He’s shown that he can win in both grand tours and classics, which is rare. But when it comes to the most difficult, unpredictable one-day races, Van der Poel still has the upper hand.”
Key Differences Between the Two Riders
Pozzato points out that while Pogačar’s versatility is remarkable, Van der Poel’s skillset is more finely tuned for the explosive demands of one-day racing. Pogačar excels in endurance and strategy over longer stages, whereas Van der Poel thrives in the chaos and intensity of shorter, more decisive moments.
“Pogačar is more of an all-rounder, but one-day races are all about sharp instincts and seizing the right moment. That’s where Van der Poel shines,” Pozzato explains. “You need to be able to make a split-second decision, attack fiercely, and handle all kinds of terrain—Mathieu does that better than anyone.”
Van der Poel Still Reigns in One-Day Races
While Tadej Pogačar continues to make waves across the cycling world, Filippo Pozzato is firm in his assessment: Mathieu van der Poel remains the top rider for one-day races. His natural ability to dominate these specific events, combined with his unique style and tactics, keeps him a step ahead of even the most versatile competitors like Pogačar.
“Mathieu is built for one-day classics. His explosiveness, his timing, and his fearlessness in the most crucial moments make him the best in the business. Pogačar may be brilliant in many areas, but in one-day racing, Van der Poel is still king.”
