The Thrill of Dominance: Pogačar and Van der Poel Rewrite Cycling History
In the vibrant world of cycling, where every pedal stroke tells a tale of endurance and grit, two names have emerged as titans: Tadej Pogačar and Mathieu van der Poel. As the cycling community gears up for the famed Il Lombardia this weekend, anticipation buzzes in the air. Can Pogačar add another monumental victory to his already illustrious career? With a remarkable record of sixteen wins out of eighteen contested races shared with Van der Poel, their dual dominance has set a new standard for competitors.
A Season of Sledgehammer Attacks
Pogačar’s journey through this season has been nothing short of spectacular. He’s not just racing; he’s rewriting the history books. With plans for an unprecedented fifth consecutive victory at Il Lombardia, Pogačar shared his excitement: “Lombardia is a monument and one of the biggest races on the calendar. The legs should be good for Saturday.” After recent triumphs, including a striking performance at Tre Valli Varesine, the Slovenian rider is hungry for more.
Yet, the road to victory is rarely smooth. While Van der Poel won’t be lining up at the start, formidable adversaries like Tom Pidcock and the relentless Remco Evenepoel will be vying for glory. Pogačar has demonstrated a penchant for solo escapades, totaling over 160 kilometers of racing in isolation this season — a feat that’s left spectators in awe.
The Fearsome Duo and Their Legacy
The numbers are staggering. Pogačar and Van der Poel dominate with an impressive tally of eleven monument and world championships between them, and they are still in their prime. Their reign has been punctuated by fierce competition, with only Evenepoel and Jasper Philipsen managing to disrupt their winning streak.
As fellow competitors observe their might, Romain Gregoire aptly referred to them as “aliens”—an acknowledgement of their otherworldly abilities on the bike. “There are gaps that are just monstrous,” he remarked after witnessing Pogačar’s latest displays of dominance. The blend of physical prowess and racing strategy they exhibit often feels insurmountable for their peers.
Lessons from the Legends
As we gear up for one of the season’s climactic events, it’s worth noting the lessons from this duo’s journey. Their consistent pursuit of excellence serves as a reminder that resilience and focus—paired with tactical intelligence—can take riders to unparalleled heights. Cyclists at all levels can draw inspiration from this phenomenon, whether it’s training with intent, ensuring they have the right gear, or honing their overall racing strategies.
The Road Ahead
Il Lombardia holds the potential for historical milestones. Should Pogačar clinch victory, he’ll equal the legendary Fausto Coppi’s five wins and become the first rider to podium at every monument race of the year. The cycling world is poised for an exhilarating showdown, where every second counts and every rider gives their all.
As we await Saturday’s race, we are reminded that in cycling, history is written not just by the victors but by those who dare to challenge the status quo. Whoever triumphs, one thing is certain: the legacy of Pogačar and Van der Poel will inspire countless cyclists for generations to come.
Original article: https://velo.outsideonline.com/road/road-racing/16-from-18-the-one-day-dominance-of-pogacar-and-van-der-poel/
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