Alpecin-Deceuninck’s Monumental 2024 Cycling Season: A Year of Dominance by Philipsen and Van der Poel
The 2024 cycling season has been nothing short of extraordinary for the Alpecin-Deceuninck team, cementing their status as one of the most dominant forces in professional cycling. With a blend of youthful exuberance and seasoned expertise, the Belgian squad has truly rewritten the narrative of the cycling season. At the forefront of this remarkable achievement are their two superstar riders—Jasper Philipsen and Mathieu van der Poel. These two cycling giants have not only led their team to victory in the most prestigious one-day races of the season, but they’ve also written their own chapters in cycling history by making a profound impact on the sport’s most revered Monuments.
The 2024 Monumental Season: A Clean Sweep at the Classics
The 2024 season began with heightened expectations for Alpecin-Deceuninck, but few could have predicted the sheer dominance the team would exhibit in the early part of the year.
The Monuments—cycling’s crown jewels—have always been a measure of a rider’s ability, grit, and determination. With Philipsen and Van der Poel both riding in the prime of their careers, the team made its mark on the three biggest one-day races of the season: Milan-San Remo, the Tour of Flanders, and Paris-Roubaix.
Jasper Philipsen, known for his impeccable sprinting ability, and Mathieu van der Poel, with his all-around strength and versatility, had been contenders for the Monuments in previous years, but 2024 would be the year they truly defined their dominance. What started as a quest for individual glory quickly transformed into a remarkable show of teamwork, tactical brilliance, and physical prowess.
Milan-San Remo: The Perfect Start
The season kicked off in spectacular fashion at Milan-San Remo, one of the most prestigious races on the calendar. Known as the “Spring Classic,” this race offers a grueling test of endurance, featuring long ascents, technical descents, and a challenging finish. In the 2024 edition, Alpecin-Deceuninck’s strategy was clear: use the combined power of Philipsen’s sprinting and Van der Poel’s tactical aggression to control the race. As the peloton approached the final kilometers, it was clear that the Belgian team’s dominance was inevitable. Van der Poel attacked on the Poggio, forcing the other contenders to chase, while Philipsen positioned himself perfectly for the sprint finish.
When the dust settled, it was Philipsen who crossed the line first, securing his maiden Milan-San Remo victory. His display of power and speed in the final meters was a testament to his relentless preparation and tactical insight. For Van der Poel, the race was another display of his immense versatility—able to control the race and dictate the tempo in a way few could match.
The Tour of Flanders: A Battle of Strength and Tactics
Following Milan-San Remo, the focus shifted to the Tour of Flanders, the iconic Flemish Classic that combines punishing cobbled climbs with a relentless pace. This race is a true test of a rider’s mental and physical fortitude, and it provided the perfect platform for Alpecin-Deceuninck to continue their dominance.
Both Van der Poel and Philipsen knew that to win in Flanders, it wasn’t just about being fast—it was about being smart and resilient. Van der Poel, a previous winner of the race, was always considered one of the strongest favorites, but the race had a new dynamic this year. Alpecin-Deceuninck’s strategy involved controlling the pace early on and ensuring that both riders would be in the mix for the final showdown.
As the race unfolded, Van der Poel displayed his trademark power on the climbs, consistently distancing rivals on the brutal cobbled sectors. However, the true highlight came with Philipsen’s performance. While he wasn’t as well-known for his ability to handle the cobbles as his teammate, Philipsen showed his grit, staying close to Van der Poel as the duo drove towards the final section. With just a handful of kilometers remaining, Van der Poel launched one final attack, which, coupled with Philipsen’s assistance, ensured that no one could bridge the gap.
The race ended with a thrilling one-two finish for Alpecin-Deceuninck, as Van der Poel claimed victory for the second time in his career at the Tour of Flanders, with Philipsen taking second place. Their combined performance not only illustrated their physical dominance but also underscored their understanding of each other’s strengths. This teamwork, along with their individual brilliance, became a hallmark of the season.
Paris-Roubaix: A Historic One-Two Finish
The ultimate highlight of the 2024 season came at Paris-Roubaix, a race that has earned its reputation as one of the toughest and most unpredictable in cycling. Known as the “Hell of the North,” Paris-Roubaix is an unforgiving race that features brutal cobbled roads, challenging weather conditions, and a final sprint that can often be decided by mere seconds. The 2024 edition of Paris-Roubaix was no different, but what made it extraordinary was the performance of Philipsen and Van der Poel, who once again proved their exceptional chemistry and dominance.
The race was fast and aggressive, with multiple attacks launched in the early stages. Alpecin-Deceuninck, with their stars in prime form, controlled the race with a combination of strategic positioning and aggressive pacing. As the race entered the final sections, only a few riders were left in contention for the win, and once again, Van der Poel was the man to watch. But this time, Philipsen wasn’t far behind. Together, they broke clear of the remaining contenders, leaving their rivals in the dust.
In the final kilometers, Van der Poel launched a decisive move that left Philipsen to contest the sprint for second place. However, in a show of ultimate teamwork, the two crossed the line in a historic one-two finish for Alpecin-Deceuninck, marking the second consecutive year the team had achieved this feat at Paris-Roubaix. This was a momentous achievement, as it solidified their dominance in the Monument season and underscored the unbreakable bond between Philipsen and Van der Poel—a partnership built on mutual respect, tactical intelligence, and a shared hunger for success.
The Impact of Philipsen and Van der Poel: A New Era in Cycling
What makes Alpecin-Deceuninck’s 2024 season so remarkable is not just the victories, but the way in which Philipsen and Van der Poel have redefined teamwork in cycling. Both riders are capable of winning on their own, but the brilliance of their partnership lies in their ability to complement each other perfectly. Van der Poel’s all-around strength and aggressive style perfectly balance Philipsen’s pure speed and precision in sprints. Their synchronized approach to racing has become a model for how teamwork can be the key to success in modern cycling.
The duo’s dominance has sent shockwaves through the sport, with many now viewing Alpecin-Deceuninck as the team to beat in future Monuments and beyond. Their ability to control the race from start to finish, dictate the tempo, and execute tactics with such precision has raised the bar for cycling teams everywhere. The 2024 season has demonstrated the immense potential of a team that understands the importance of both individual excellence and collective strategy.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Alpecin-Deceuninck
With 2024 firmly etched in the history books as one of their most successful seasons, Alpecin-Deceuninck is poised to continue its rise to the top of professional cycling. The team’s strength lies not only in Philipsen and Van der Poel but also in the depth of talent within the squad. As the team looks to the future, the partnership between these two riders will continue to be the backbone of their success, but the addition of emerging talents and reinforcements will only enhance their chances in upcoming seasons.
For Philipsen and Van der Poel, the 2024 season has already cemented their place among the cycling greats. Yet, the hunger for more remains, and their shared ambition will undoubtedly drive them to even greater heights in the coming years. With the Monuments conquered, all eyes will be on Alpecin-Deceuninck as they set their sights on the next chapter in cycling’s most prestigious events.
The 2024 season was just the beginning—Philipsen and Van der Poel are far from finished, and their partnership has only just begun to reshape the landscape of professional cycling for years to come.
