Tadej Pogačar And Mathieu Van Der Poel Move Up In The Monuments League…

Tadej Pogačar and Mathieu van der Poel have taken significant steps forward in the “Monuments League,” moving up in the rankings of cycling’s most prestigious one-day races. Both riders have shown exceptional skill and determination in the five major Monuments—Milan-San Remo, Tour of Flanders, Paris-Roubaix, Liège-Bastogne-Liège, and Il Lombardia—cementing their status as some of the best one-day racers in the modern era.

Pogačar, known for his Grand Tour dominance, has quickly proven he’s more than capable in the Monuments, with standout victories at Liège-Bastogne-Liège (2021, 2023) and the Tour of Flanders (2023). His triumph at Flanders was particularly impressive, as it marked the first time a Grand Tour specialist had won this cobbled classic in decades. Pogačar’s versatility, ability to attack on tough climbs, and tactical awareness have made him a force to be reckoned with in both hilly and cobbled races. He has also come close to victory in Il Lombardia, showcasing his potential in every Monument.

On the other hand, Mathieu van der Poel is regarded as one of the true classics specialists of his generation. With wins at the Tour of Flanders (2020, 2022) and Paris-Roubaix (2023), van der Poel has established himself as the master of the cobbled classics. His aggressive riding style, explosive power, and sprinting abilities make him a dominant figure in the Monument races that feature demanding terrain. Van der Poel’s remarkable win at Paris-Roubaix, one of the most challenging races in cycling, underscored his reputation as a rider who thrives on grit and determination.

As both riders continue to amass victories in the Monuments, the battle for the title of the top one-day racer will only intensify, raising the excitement in the world of professional cycling.