# Countdown to the Tour de France: 7 Days | Wout van Aert and Mathieu van der Poel’s Greatest Tour Moments
With just a week to go before the start of the 2024 Tour de France, cycling fans around the world are eagerly counting down the days, speculating on how this legendary race will unfold. Among the most anticipated storylines are the performances of two of the most charismatic, versatile, and talented riders in the peloton today: Wout van Aert and Mathieu van der Poel. Their rivalry, combined with their extraordinary skill sets and charismatic personalities, has redefined modern cycling and provided some of the most thrilling moments in recent Tour history.
In this in-depth article, we delve into the origins, career highlights, and iconic moments of these two giants of the sport. We explore how their paths crossed, their respective journeys to the Tour, and how their performances have shaped the race’s narrative. Additionally, we look ahead to what the 2024 Tour might hold for these two exceptional athletes.
The Genesis of Wout van Aert and Mathieu van der Poel: From Cyclocross to the Grand Tours
**Wout van Aert** and **Mathieu van der Poel** are not just talented cyclists; they are phenomena who rose through the ranks with a unique blend of talent, resilience, and versatility. Their backgrounds in cyclocross, mountain biking, and one-day classics have made them uniquely equipped to handle the unpredictable, multifaceted demands of the Tour de France.
Wout van Aert: The Belgian Powerhouse
Born in 1994 in Belgium, Wout van Aert initially gained fame in the cyclocross world, where his technical skills, explosive power, and tactical intelligence made him a dominant force. His transition to road cycling was marked by rapid success, with stage wins in major races such as the Tour de France, Tirreno-Adriatico, and the Giro d’Italia.
Van Aert’s early reputation as a sprinter and classics specialist was complemented by his ability to climb and time trial, making him one of the most complete riders in the peloton. His work ethic, tactical acumen, and leadership qualities quickly established him as a key asset for his team, Jumbo-Visma.
Mathieu van der Poel: The Dutch Cyclocross Maestro
Mathieu van der Poel, born in 1995 in the Netherlands, is often described as a prodigy. The son of former professional cyclist Adri van der Poel, Mathieu’s talent was evident from a young age. His dominance in cyclocross, where he has won multiple world championships, established him as one of the most exciting and aggressive riders of his generation.
Transitioning to road racing, van der Poel quickly proved his mettle with explosive attacks, powerful sprints, and remarkable climbing ability. His versatility is almost unmatched—he can excel on cobblestones, steep climbs, and flat sprints, often defying conventional race strategies.
Their Rising Rivalry and Mutual Respect
While their careers developed along different paths—van Aert focusing more on classics and stage races, van der Poel on cyclocross and one-day races—their rivalry in the peloton has become legendary. Their confrontations, whether in breakaways or sprint finishes, are characterized by mutual respect and sportsmanship that elevate the spectacle of cycling.
Their contrasting styles—van Aert’s calculated versatility versus van der Poel’s aggressive attack—generate compelling narratives and dramatic racing moments that captivate fans.
Wout Van Aert’s Greatest Tour Moments
1. The 2021 Tour de France: Establishing Himself as an All-Rounder
The 2021 Tour de France was a breakthrough for van Aert. Initially seen as a super-domestique and sprinter, he demonstrated that he could also contend in the mountains and serve as a leader.
– **Stage 11 to Luz Ardiden:** Van Aert’s strategic breakaway, where he bridged to the front group and set up teammate Jonas Vingegaard for an impressive victory, was a defining moment. His effort showcased his climbing ability and tactical intelligence, establishing him as a serious contender for the yellow jersey.
– **Defensive Support and Stage Wins:** Throughout the race, van Aert was omnipresent—protecting, attacking, and seizing opportunities. His aggressive riding culminated in a stage victory on the final day in Paris, where he out-sprinted a stacked field to claim the coveted stage win.
2. The 2022 Tour de France: The King of the Classics and the Mountain Support
Building on his previous success, van Aert continued to impress with his multi-faceted skillset.
– **Stage 8, Ax-3 Domaines:** Van Aert’s performance in the hilly stage, where he defended the yellow jersey and attacked in the mountains, demonstrated his resilience and climbing prowess. His efforts helped maintain Vingegaard’s overall lead.
– **Support in the Peloton:** Known for his tireless work in supporting Vingegaard, van Aert’s presence on every terrain—cobbles, climbs, sprints—made him a critical asset for the team’s overall victory.
– **Sprint Stage Victory:** His win in stage 13 showcased his sprinting speed, where he outperformed sprinters such as Caleb Ewan and Mark Cavendish.
3. The 2023 Tour: The Complete Rider
In 2023, van Aert’s versatility was on full display.
– **Climbing and Breakaways:** His aggressive tactics on the mountain stages, including solo attacks and strategic chases, kept his rivals honest.
– **Stage Wins and Overall Impact:** While his primary role was supporting his team, van Aert secured multiple stage wins, reaffirming his reputation as one of the most complete riders of his generation.
– **Time Trial and Classics Form:** His time trial performances and form from the Spring Classics translated into a strong Tour showing, blending power, endurance, and race craft.
Mathieu Van der Poel’s Greatest Tour Moments
1. The 2020 Tour de France: A Bold Introduction
Van der Poel’s debut Tour was brief but explosive.
– **Stage 14 Attack:** On the rugged climb of Col de la Lusette, van der Poel launched a solo attack, showcasing his explosive power and attacking instinct. Although he was caught before the finish, his effort electrified the race and announced his arrival as a Tour contender.
2. The 2021 Tour: The Breakaway King
– **Stage 8, Oyonnax:** Van der Poel’s audacious solo attack on the Côte de l’Église was a highlight. His relentless pursuit of victory, pulling clear of the peloton, earned him a well-deserved stage win. His aggressive riding style captivated fans, and his performance demonstrated his capacity to compete at the highest level in the Tour.
– **Other Attacks and Presence:** Throughout the race, van der Poel was a constant threat, launching attacks on various terrains, often forcing rivals to respond.
3. The 2022 Tour: Multiple Attacks, Stage Wins, and Resilience
– **Stage 9 Victory:** Van der Poel’s solo effort after a series of attacks culminated in a commanding victory. His aggressive tactics kept the race lively and kept spectators on the edge of their seats.
– **Support Role and Climbing:** His strategic riding during mountain stages showed maturity and adaptability, balancing aggression with team duties.
4. The 2023 Tour: Tactical Growth and Selective Attacks
In 2023, van der Poel was more strategic, choosing his moments carefully.
– **Climbs and Breakaways:** His selective attacks on high-altitude stages demonstrated his growth as a tactician, blending offensive riding with team support.
– **Stage Wins and Top Finishes:** Although not contesting for the overall, van der Poel’s performances kept him in the spotlight, earning respect from rivals and fans alike.
The Rivalry and Relationship: A New Chapter in Tour de France Lore
The rivalry between Van Aert and Van der Poel has been one of the defining narratives of recent cycling. Their encounters are a masterclass in contrasting styles and mutual respect.
Key Moments that Define Their Rivalry
– **2020 & 2021 Breakaway Battles:** Both riders have launched daring solo attacks, often with seconds separating them in the final meters, creating dramatic and memorable moments.
– **Tactical Duels:** Their confrontations in sprints and mountain stages have often come down to seconds, with each rider pushing the other to the limit.
– **Sportsmanship and Mutual Respect:** Despite fierce competition, their interactions post-race highlight respect and camaraderie, embodying the true spirit of sport.
How Their Rivalry Elevates the Race
Their battles bring unpredictability and excitement to the Tour, inspiring fans and young riders worldwide. Their contrasting approaches—van Aert’s calculated versatility versus van der Poel’s aggressive attacking style—generate compelling narratives that enrich the race’s storytelling.
What to Expect in the 2024 Tour de France
As the countdown hits single digits, expectations are high.
– **Van Aert’s Role:** Will he continue to serve as the kingmaker and potential stage winner? Or will he target the overall classification if opportunities arise?
– **Van der Poel’s Ambitions:** Will he focus on stage wins, mountain attacks, or aim for a high overall placing? His strategic growth suggests he might target select stages to maximize his impact.
– **The Dynamic of Their Rivalry:** Will their paths cross again in dramatic confrontations? How will their respective teams leverage their strengths?
– **Emerging Contenders:** While Van Aert and Van der Poel are front and center, other contenders—such as Tadej Pogačar, Jonas Vingegaard, and Primož Roglič—will also play crucial roles.
The Legacy of Van Aert and Van der Poel in Tour de France History
Their performances have already cemented their places among the modern greats.
– **Innovators of Versatility:** They exemplify a new breed of cyclists capable of winning across multiple terrains and race scenarios.
– **Role Models:** Their professionalism, sportsmanship, and resilience serve as inspiration for future generations.
– **Memorable Moments:** From solo attacks to sprint finishes, their exploits have brought renewed excitement to the Tour.
The countdown to the 2024 Tour de France is more than just a measure of days remaining; it’s a celebration of the extraordinary talents of Wout van Aert and Mathieu van der Poel. Their greatest moments—epic breakaways, commanding sprints, and strategic brilliance—have captivated fans and redefined what it means to be a cyclist in the modern era.
As the race approaches, all eyes will be on these two protagonists to see what new legends they will create. Will they continue their rivalry with more dramatic confrontations? Will one of them claim the elusive yellow jersey? Or will they team up to challenge the race’s established giants?
One thing is certain: with Van Aert and Van der Poel in the mix, the 2024 Tour de France promises to be a spectacle of courage, skill, and heart-stopping drama—an epic chapter in cycling history that fans will remember for decades to come.
**Stay tuned for the latest updates, expert analyses, and live coverage as we count down the final days to the start of the 2024 Tour de France!**
