According to former professional cyclist Filippo Pozzato, Mathieu van der Poel stands out as the best rider for one-day races, despite Tadej Pogačar’s undeniable brilliance across multiple disciplines. In an interview discussing the top riders of the current generation, Pozzato emphasized van der Poel’s unique qualities that make him a dominant force in one-day classics. His explosive power, bike handling skills, and instinct for seizing opportunities in unpredictable race situations have consistently set him apart.
Pozzato, who himself was known for his classics performances, pointed out that van der Poel’s ability to win in a variety of conditions, from cobbled races like the Tour of Flanders to punchy finishes like the Amstel Gold Race, cements his reputation as a one-day race specialist. He believes that van der Poel’s aggressive style and fearlessness, especially when making daring solo attacks or fighting for position in hectic finishes, make him incredibly difficult to beat when he’s at his best.
While Tadej Pogačar has also proven his versatility by winning monuments like Liège-Bastogne-Liège and the Tour of Flanders, Pozzato views Pogačar more as an all-rounder whose brilliance stretches across stage races and classics alike. In contrast, van der Poel’s singular focus and dominance in the one-day format place him above the rest in this specific area, according to Pozzato.
Though he acknowledged Pogačar’s immense talent, Pozzato emphasized that one-day races require a particular set of skills that van der Poel has mastered. With both riders often clashing in the most prestigious races, Pozzato’s view adds an interesting layer to the ongoing debate about the top riders of this generation, praising van der Poel’s consistency and success in one-day events.
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