The modern cycling peloton boasts some remarkable talents, among them Remco Evenepoel, Tadej Pogačar, and Mathieu van der Poel.
Each rider brings a unique set of achievements and strengths to the sport, making the debate over who has the best palmarès (career achievements) a fascinating one.
Achievements: Remco Evenepoel, the Belgian prodigy, has rapidly ascended the ranks with a slew of impressive victories. He won the 2019 UCI Road World Championships in the U23 time trial and secured the overall title at the 2022 Vuelta a España,
becoming the youngest rider to win a Grand Tour in over a decade. Evenepoel also claimed the 2023 Il Lombardia, a prestigious one-day race,
underscoring his versatility. His palmarès is highlighted by a powerful combination of time-trial skills, climbing prowess, and the ability to perform in one-day classics and stage races.
Strengths: Evenepoel’s exceptional time-trialing ability and aggressive riding style make him a formidable competitor in both one-day races and stage races. His early success suggests he may continue to accumulate impressive wins as his career progresses.
Achievements: Tadej Pogačar, the Slovenian sensation, has a palmarès that is hard to match in terms of consistency and high-profile victories. He has won the Tour de France twice (2020 and 2021), becoming the youngest rider ever to win the race twice.
Pogačar’s victory in the 2021 edition was particularly notable for his dominant performance in the mountain stages and the time trial. Additionally,
he has clinched the Liège-Bastogne-Liège (2021) and the Tour of Flanders (2022), showcasing his prowess in both stage races and one-day classics. His versatility is further highlighted by his victories in various stage races and one-day events.
**Strengths:** Pogačar’s ability to excel in diverse race formats—ranging from Grand Tours to one-day classics—demonstrates his all-around capabilities. His climbing skills, time-trialing prowess, and tactical intelligence make him one of the most complete riders in the peloton.
Achievements:** Mathieu van der Poel, the Dutch powerhouse, is renowned for his victories in both road and cyclocross racing. His road achievements include winning the 2021 Tour of Flanders and the 2021 Amstel Gold Race, along with multiple stages in the Tour de France. Van der Poel’s cyclocross career is equally impressive,
with multiple World Championships titles to his name. His 2023 Paris-Roubaix win further solidified his status as one of the top riders in one-day races. His achievements showcase his incredible versatility and ability to excel in various terrains and formats.
Strengths: Van der Poel’s versatility across disciplines—road, cyclocross, and even mountain biking—sets him apart. His explosive power, technical skills, and adaptability make him a formidable competitor in a wide range of events.
When comparing these three riders, Tadej Pogačar stands out for his Grand Tour victories and consistent high-level performances across both stage races and one-day classics. His dual Tour de France wins and additional classic victories give him an edge in terms of prestigious achievements. However, Remco Evenepoel’s potential and recent successes in both Grand Tours and one-day races suggest a promising future, while Mathieu van der Poel’s dominance across multiple cycling disciplines demonstrates a unique and diverse skill set.
Ultimately, the “best” palmarès may depend on the criteria one values most: consistency in Grand Tours, success in one-day classics, or versatility across disciplines. Each rider has a strong case, and their continuing careers promise further exciting developments in the sport.
Be the first to comment