Anyone tasked with choosing a rider of the year for 2025 will surely reach the conclusion that Tadej Pogacar is the top choice. The Slovenian from Emirates-XRG in the UAE excels in worldwide cycling. However, he has been defeated multiple times, including by Mathieu van der Poel. How? Ex-cyclist Tom Danielson thinks the Dutchman has figured out the Pogacar puzzle
Through remarkable individual performances, Pogi frequently succeeds in dominating races. Speeding up and then keeping a distance, so to say. Maintaining distance is especially remarkable. In the Tour of Flanders, for instance, Wout van Aert, Mads Pedersen, and Van der Poel pursued the Slovenian. The gap remained, and Pogacar ultimately finished the race as the victor. In what way?
“His strategy involves timing his attacks for the race’s most critical moments,” Danielson assesses on X. “This explains why you’re witnessing such extended solos, as the location he reaches presents the most difficult point in the race, succeeded by persistently demanding segments.” It’s a “checkmate” scenario since the remaining riders are dispersed and at or exceeding their threshold.
Danielson examines Pogacar’s strategies: “Figures don’t matter.”
It is during that initial stage that Pogacar breaks away. “During their regroup, he finds his opening, and the terrain affects those on the wheel similarly to those pursuing for the most part.” “Thus, numbers don’t matter in this case,” states the American.
Danielson notes that Pogacar selects his races in accordance with this strategy. “At this moment, he doesn’t actually begin races unless he can devise a strategy to secure victory.” Quebec is truly the sole one. Milan San Remo is somewhat like this, but I believe he is nearly there and will continue to enhance his skill to achieve it.
Van der Poel has solved the Pogacar puzzle.
Examining Pogacar’s defeats, you swiftly identify Paris-Roubaix and Milan-Sanremo. In both instances, the Slovenian faced a more formidable Van der Poel. “MVDP has figured out how to overcome him,” Danielson concludes. The previous cyclist elaborates thoroughly.
“Select a race that perfectly aligns with your strengths and prepare for the particular challenges you anticipate he will use to surpass you.” MVDP could perform the extremely prolonged VO2 efforts and replicate them. “Danielson explains the code that MVDP was also prepared to go the extra mile.”
Consequently, the American foresees remarkable developments for the upcoming cycling season. Up to this point, the Slovenian has employed various strategies in Milan-Sanremo, for instance, but has not achieved success. “Therefore, Tadej will surely arrive at Sanremo, Flanders, and Roubaix with fresh tactics in 2026.”
