Wout van Aert participated in the Opening Weekend while Mathieu van der Poel took part in Le Samyn. It’s difficult to determine which one attracted the most attention given the distinctly different outcomes, but cycling icon Tom Boonen observes positive indications in both as we approach less than a month until the Tour of Flanders.
“I believe the rivals realized what was happening when they learned that Mathieu was on the starting line.” “I believe Mathieu went to Belgium without feeling any pressure,” Boonen told Sporza.
He believed the Alpecin-Deceuninck cyclist would make an impact, and his victory in the sprint against Paul Magnier proved it. “You could tell that by the way he sprinted.” He revealed himself but didn’t reveal too much. However, in the end, he raced to triumph effortlessly, which is definitely remarkable.
Van der Poel will participate in Tirreno-Adriatico to enhance his condition for the classics (following an altitude camp), while on the contrary, van Aert will head to altitude after a series of races. Both have distinct methods for preparing for the two monuments, and van Aert is sticking to last year’s strategy—one he couldn’t employ in Flanders or Roubaix due to injury.
“Upon viewing Wout compete in Kuurne-Brussels-Kuurne, he appeared impressive to me.” He yanked forcefully several times and created numerous issues for riders. “I truly think he will perform well in the Tour of Flanders and Paris-Roubaix,” Boonen contended.
Boonen’s Observations on Their Form
Boonen, a four-time Paris-Roubaix winner and three-time Tour of Flanders champion, understands better than most what it takes to shine on cobblestones. That’s why his assessment of both van Aert and van der Poel carries significant weight.
While the two riders approach their peak form in different ways, Boonen sees no weaknesses in either strategy. Van der Poel’s decision to race Le Samyn and ease into his classics campaign may indicate a more measured approach, while van Aert’s aggressive efforts during Opening Weekend suggest a rider eager to impose himself early.
For van der Poel, his performance at Le Samyn showcased his well-rounded ability to control a race and unleash his devastating finishing kick. Despite not yet being in peak condition, his ability to outsprint Magnier was telling. “Mathieu is the type of rider who doesn’t need a full race calendar to be in shape,” Boonen added. “He knows how to time his form perfectly for the big one-day races.”
Van Aert, on the other hand, demonstrated raw power and race intelligence throughout Kuurne-Brussels-Kuurne. Though he didn’t take victory, he put in several powerful accelerations that disrupted the race dynamic. “It’s the kind of performance that doesn’t go unnoticed,” Boonen said. “He forced others to react, and that’s what makes him such a threat in the biggest races.”
The Road to the Monuments
With just weeks to go before the Tour of Flanders and Paris-Roubaix, van Aert and van der Poel will be scrutinized even more closely. Both riders have unfinished business in these races—van der Poel is the defending Tour of Flanders champion, while van Aert has been desperately chasing a victory in either race to cement his legacy.
Their divergent preparation methods reflect their individual strengths. Van der Poel’s decision to race Tirreno-Adriatico allows him to build endurance and race sharpness without burning too many matches. This follows his usual routine of focusing on select races rather than accumulating excessive race days.
Van Aert’s approach is more traditional, using early-season races to test himself before heading to an altitude camp to fine-tune his form. His strategy is aimed at ensuring he peaks at the right moment after missing the 2023 editions of Flanders and Roubaix due to injury.
Boonen believes both approaches can work. “Some riders need races to sharpen up, others trust their training. What matters is arriving at the start line in top shape,” he said. “I don’t think we’ve seen everything from either of them yet, which makes the next few weeks even more exciting.”
A Rivalry That Defines an Era
Van Aert and van der Poel’s rivalry is one of the greatest in modern cycling. They’ve battled across disciplines—cyclocross, road, and even time trials—pushing each other to new heights. The upcoming classics season promises yet another thrilling chapter.
Their performances on the cobblestones thus far suggest that both riders are on track to be major contenders for cycling’s biggest one-day races. With Boonen’s endorsement, expectations will only continue to grow.
As the classics season heats up, the cycling world eagerly awaits another showdown between these two generational talents.
