The cycling world is abuzz with the dominance of two extraordinary athletes: Tadej Pogacar and Mathieu van der Poel. Since the 2023 Lombardia, only Jasper Philipsen, Van der Poel's teammate, has managed to claim a Monument victory, leaving little doubt about the duo's overwhelming reign in one-day racing. But here's where it gets controversial: while Pogacar seems to be the favorite in the upcoming Liege-Bastogne-Liege, Van der Poel is not without his chances, having secured third place in 2024. And this is the part most people miss: the secret to their success might lie in their training routines and race schedules.
Michel Cornelisse, Van der Poel's former coach, shares his insights on the podcast De Grote Plaat. He highlights Van der Poel's exceptional quality of racing when he's at his peak, riding very little but winning a lot. This philosophy also applies to Pogacar, who approaches races with the mindset of a winner. Cornelisse praises Pogacar's determination, believing he's on the path to becoming the first rider to conquer all the classics. However, Van der Poel stands in his way, having consistently beaten Pogacar in key races like Milano-Sanremo and Paris-Roubaix.
Cornelisse recalls an anecdote about Van der Poel's intense training efforts. During a training session in Calpe, Mathieu rode at an astonishing 38 km/h alone, while the rest of the team, including his teammate Planckaert, rode at around 33 km/h. Within 8 hours, Mathieu had covered more than 30 kilometers more than the team, showcasing his incredible dedication and speed.
But what's the secret to their success? Cornelisse suggests that by racing less, both athletes can give their all on the most crucial days without 'wasting' energy on preparation races with increased crash risks. This strategy allows them to maintain their peak performance and focus on the races that truly matter.
So, who will emerge as the ultimate winner? Will Pogacar conquer all the classics, or will Van der Poel's dominance continue? The cycling world eagerly awaits the outcome, and the debate rages on in the comments section. What do you think? Will Pogacar rise to the challenge, or will Van der Poel's incredible training efforts pay off?
