Picture this: the cycling world's seemingly invincible champion, Tadej Pogacar, finally encountering a rival who's unlocked the secret to dethroning him. It's a showdown that's got fans buzzing, and former rider Tom Danielson believes Mathieu van der Poel holds the key. But here's where it gets controversial – is this 'code' unbreakable, or can Pogacar evolve to reclaim his throne?
When it comes to crowning a Rider of the Year for 2025, most experts would point straight to Tadej Pogacar, the Slovenian powerhouse from UAE Emirates-XRG. He's been dominating global cycling, racking up victories that leave competitors in the dust. Yet, even this titan has tasted defeat, notably at the hands of Mathieu van der Poel. How does the Dutch sensation pull it off? Danielson, a retired cyclist with insider knowledge, argues that Van der Poel has deciphered what he calls the 'Pogacar code.'
Pogacar's signature style revolves around those jaw-dropping solo breaks that control entire races. He accelerates at just the right moment and maintains his lead, often leaving a trail of exhausted pursuers. Take the Tour of Flanders as a prime example: Pogacar fended off top contenders like Wout van Aert, Mads Pedersen, and Van der Poel himself, widening the gap until he crossed the finish line victorious. The secret? Timing his assaults during the race's most grueling phases, followed by relentless, punishing terrain that tests everyone to their limits. As Danielson puts it on X, it's like a chess master delivering checkmate – the remaining riders are scattered, pushed beyond their breaking points, and unable to regroup effectively.
And this is the part most people miss: the initial surge is where Pogacar truly pulls ahead. While his rivals scramble to catch up, he builds that crucial lead. The challenging landscape afterward drains energy from both the chasers and those on his wheel, making sheer numbers irrelevant. In simpler terms, even if a group of riders teams up against him, the tough climbs or rough roads wear everyone down equally, so one strong rider like Pogacar can still prevail.
Danielson notes that Pogacar strategically picks races where this tactic shines. He avoids events that don't align with his strengths, with Quebec being a rare exception. Milan-Sanremo is another where he might adapt, but Danielson thinks he's honing his skills to make it work.
Now, let's dive into the controversy: Van der Poel has cracked this code, according to Danielson. Look at Pogacar's losses in Paris-Roubaix and Milan-Sanremo – both times, the Slovenian faced a superior Van der Poel. The key, as Danielson explains, is selecting races that perfectly match your abilities and preparing specifically for the demands Pogacar will impose. Van der Poel excels at those incredibly long, high-intensity efforts (think VO2 max intervals, where you're pushing your body's oxygen utilization to the max) and repeating them over and over. He's also built to endure the full distance without fading. For beginners in cycling, this means training not just for speed, but for sustained power and recovery in brutal conditions – like the cobbled chaos of Roubaix or the lung-busting climbs in Sanremo.
This insight leads Danielson to predict an exciting 2026 season. Pogacar has experimented with new approaches in Milan-Sanremo, but so far, they've fallen short. That's why the Slovenian will likely arrive at Sanremo, Flanders, and Roubaix armed with fresh strategies to counter Van der Poel's edge.
But is this code truly cracked, or is it just a temporary setback? Some might argue Pogacar's adaptability could lead to even more innovative tactics, turning the tables once again. What do you think – has Van der Poel found the ultimate weakness, or will Pogacar surprise us all? Share your thoughts in the comments; I'd love to hear if you agree, disagree, or have your own take on this cycling rivalry!
