Mathieu van der Poel on Tadej Pogačar: “If We All Just Say Tadej is Going to Win, We Might as Well Hand Him the Jersey Now”
Mathieu van der Poel, one of cycling’s most versatile talents, recently shared his thoughts on Tadej Pogačar, the Slovenian prodigy dominating the sport. In a candid conversation, van der Poel highlighted the risk of prematurely conceding victory to Pogačar before races are even contested.
Van der Poel commented, “If we all just say Tadej is going to win, we might as well hand him the jersey now.” This remark underscores both his respect for Pogačar’s prowess and the competitive spirit that keeps the peloton hungry for wins.
Pogačar has become a formidable force in cycling, particularly in grand tours like the Tour de France, where he’s secured two consecutive titles. His combination of climbing ability, time-trialing strength, and aggressive racing style has made him the rider to beat in any event he enters. However, for competitors like van der Poel, this doesn’t mean the outcome is inevitable.
Van der Poel, known for his explosive sprints and incredible versatility across road racing, cyclocross, and mountain biking, emphasized that while Pogačar may be a favorite, nothing is guaranteed in professional cycling. “Cycling is unpredictable. There are so many variables – crashes, form, tactics – that can change the result in an instant. The beauty of our sport is that nothing is certain until the finish line,” he added.
His comments also reflect a broader sentiment in the peloton, as many riders and teams have acknowledged Pogačar’s dominance but refuse to resign themselves to defeat. Riders like Jonas Vingegaard, Primož Roglič, and Wout van Aert have proven to be fierce rivals, ensuring that no victory will come easy.
As van der Poel prepares for his own season goals, his statement serves as a reminder that while Pogačar might be the man to beat, every race still needs to be won on the road. For van der Poel and others, the challenge is clear – to push themselves to new limits and ensure that any victory for Pogačar is hard-fought and well-earned.
In a sport where anything can happen, van der Poel’s optimism and competitive fire remind fans that while Pogačar may be at the top, the fight for supremacy is far from over.
