Analysis :Tadej Pogačar vs. Mathieu van der Poel: Who is the Monument King? … Read more

In modern cycling,   Tadej Pogačar  and Mathieu van der Poel.  stand as two of the most versatile and dominant riders in the sport.
Both have excelled in the prestigious  Monument races, cycling’s five classic one-day events. But who holds the title of “Monument King”? Let’s analyze their performances and achievements.

Tadej Pogačar: The All-Rounder
Pogačar’s ability to master multiple cycling disciplines is well known. Primarily celebrated for his   Grand Tour.  success, particularly his two Tour de France titles, Pogačar has also made a mark on the one-day classics. In 2021, he stunned the cycling world by winning Liège-Bastogne-Liège , followed by an impressive victory at the 2023 Tour of Flanders , where he displayed his incredible climbing ability on the cobbled hills—a skill not typically associated with Grand Tour riders.

Pogačar’s triumphs in Liège and Flanders emphasize his versatility, with a unique capacity to switch from long endurance races to shorter, explosive classics. His climbing ability, tactical acumen, and sharp finishing kick make him a serious threat in any Monument race he enters.

Mathieu van der Poel: The Classics Specialist
Unlike Pogačar, van der Poel is more of a specialist when it comes to the classics. His explosive power, bike-handling skills, and sprinting capabilities give him a distinct advantage in Monument races. He has won the  Tour of Flanders  twice (2020, 2022) and the prestigious   Milan-San Remo  in 2023. Van der Poel also secured his second   Paris-Roubaix  victory in 2024, establishing himself as a true force on the cobblestones.

Van der Poel’s aggressive riding style and tactical brilliance have made him a favorite in races that favor powerful, punchy riders. His versatility on flat or cobbled terrains makes him arguably the best classics rider of his generation.

Who is the Monument King?
While van der Poel holds more Monument victories, Pogačar’s ability to win across diverse terrains gives him a compelling case for the title. Both are Monument kings in their own right, excelling in different types of classics, and their rivalry continues to captivate cycling fans.