Is there any cyclist in the world who can truly challenge Tadej Pogacar's dominance in 2025? It seems like the Slovenian from UAE Emirates-XRG is untouchable in global cycling, yet there's one rider who has managed to beat him time and again: Mathieu van der Poel. But here's where it gets controversial—could the Dutchman have actually cracked the Pogacar code? Let's dive into the fascinating tactics and strategies that make this rivalry so compelling.
Tadej Pogacar, often affectionately called "Pogi" by fans, has a way of controlling races that leaves even the most seasoned cyclists in awe. His solo efforts are nothing short of spectacular—he accelerates at just the right moment and then manages to stay ahead, often creating a gap that seems impossible to close. Take the Tour of Flanders, for example, where he was pursued by Wout van Aert, Mads Pedersen, and Mathieu van der Poel, yet still managed to cross the finish line first. How does he do it?
According to former cyclist Tom Danielson, it all comes down to timing. "Pogacar plans his moments to attack at the absolute peak of the race's difficulty," Danielson explains on social media. "This is why we see such long solo rides—he picks the hardest moment in the race and follows it with relentless, challenging sections. It’s like a game of chess where the other riders are scattered and at their limits, leaving Pogacar in a 'checkmate' position." This analysis sheds light on the genius behind Pogacar's tactics, making it clear why he's so hard to beat.
Danielson also points out that Pogacar is incredibly strategic about the races he chooses to compete in. "He doesn't just enter any race—he picks ones where he can execute this type of strategy," the American says. "For instance, Quebec is the only major race where this plan might not work, and even Milan-San Remo is a bit of a wildcard, but Pogacar is constantly refining his approach to master it."
Now, let's talk about the rider who has managed to outsmart Pogacar: Mathieu van der Poel, or "MVDP" as he’s often called. The Slovenian has been defeated in races like Paris-Roubaix and Milan-Sanremo, and in both cases, it was Van der Poel who came out on top. "MVDP has cracked the code to beat Pogacar," Danielson concludes. But how?
The key, Danielson explains, is to choose a race that perfectly suits your strengths and train specifically for the kinds of efforts Pogacar uses to win. "MVDP could perform those incredibly long VO2 efforts over and over again, and he was also prepared to go the distance," Danielson notes. This level of preparation and specialization is what gives Van der Poel the edge when facing Pogacar.
Looking ahead to the new cycling year, it’s clear that Pogacar won’t rest on his laurels. He’s already experimented with different tactics in Milan-Sanremo, but without success. "For that reason, Tadej will definitely come to Sanremo, Flanders, and Roubaix with some new moves in 2026," Danielson predicts. And this is the part most people miss—Pogacar is always evolving, always finding new ways to push himself to the limit.
So, what do you think? Can Van der Poel continue to challenge Pogacar, or will the Slovenian find a way to reclaim his dominance? Let’s spark some discussion—do you agree with Danielson’s analysis, or do you see the rivalry differently? Share your thoughts in the comments below and let’s explore the exciting world of cycling together!
