Mathieu van der Poel Praises Wout van Aert: “He Is One of a Kind and I Have Always Wanted to Compete Against Him
Mathieu van der Poel and Wout van Aert, two of the most talented and versatile riders of their generation, have been locked in an epic rivalry for years. Both cyclists have achieved legendary status in their respective careers, excelling in cyclo-cross, road racing, and mountain biking. While their rivalry has captivated cycling fans around the world, van der Poel has recently opened up about his deep respect and admiration for van Aert, calling him “one of a kind” and acknowledging the unique role van Aert has played in his own career.
The rivalry between van der Poel and van Aert began in the mud of cyclo-cross, where they quickly emerged as the dominant forces in the sport. Since their junior days, the two have been neck and neck, pushing each other to the limit in almost every race they contested. The intensity of their battles became legendary, with both riders trading victories and titles across multiple seasons.
Yet, despite the fierce competition, van der Poel has always spoken highly of van Aert’s abilities. In a recent interview, van der Poel reflected on how their rivalry has been a source of motivation throughout his career.
“Competing against Wout has always been special for me,” van der Poel said. “He is one of a kind. His ability to perform at the highest level in different disciplines is something that has always impressed me. I have always wanted to race against him because he pushes me to be better.”
One of the most remarkable aspects of the van der Poel-van Aert rivalry is how it has extended beyond cyclo-cross. Both riders transitioned to road racing and mountain biking with great success, winning some of the most prestigious races in the world. Van Aert’s dominance in the classics, his time-trialing prowess, and his ability to win in both sprints and breakaways have made him one of the most complete riders in the peloton.
Van der Poel, known for his explosive power and daring race tactics, has also risen to the top in road racing, winning iconic races like the Tour of Flanders and Milan-San Remo. Their rivalry has carried over into these competitions, with both riders often finding themselves at the front of the race, battling for victory.
“Every time I line up with Wout, I know it’s going to be a hard race,” van der Poel continued. “We have different strengths, but we also have similar ambitions. Whether it’s a classic, a stage race, or a cyclo-cross event, we’re always trying to get the best out of each other. In a way, I think we’ve helped push each other to new heights.”
While the rivalry between van der Poel and van Aert has often been intense, it has always been underpinned by mutual respect. Both riders have acknowledged the other’s talents and contributions to the sport, and their on-course battles have often ended with a handshake or a nod of recognition.
“Wout and I have a lot of respect for each other,” van der Poel said. “We know what it takes to reach this level, and we understand the sacrifices we’ve both made to get here. There are no hard feelings after the race, no matter the outcome. I think that’s something that fans appreciate as well. It’s a rivalry, yes, but it’s also a celebration of the sport.”
As both van der Poel and van Aert continue to dominate their respective disciplines, their rivalry shows no signs of slowing down. Whether they are battling it out in the cobbled classics or on the cross circuit, the cycling world knows that any race featuring these two will be one to remember.
For van der Poel, the future is about continuing to grow as a rider and taking on new challenges, but he knows that his path will always be intertwined with van Aert’s.
“Wout is someone who will always be there, pushing me,” van der Poel said with a smile. “I’ve always wanted to compete against the best, and he’s the best. I think our rivalry will continue to inspire both of us for years to come.”
The rivalry between Mathieu van der Poel and Wout van Aert has become one of the defining narratives of modern cycling. It is a story of two riders who, while fiercely competitive, share a deep respect for one another’s talents and achievements. As they continue to push each other to new heights, their battles will remain a highlight of the sport, captivating fans and inspiring future generations of cyclists.
