The debate continues to rage among cycling fans: Wout van Aert or Mathieu van der Poel? The rivalry between the two stars is a defining one in the sport, and even those within the professional ranks have strong opinions. Recently, Patrick Lefevere, a prominent figure in cycling, weighed in, making a clear declaration of his preference.
Lefevere’s comments came during an interview with actor Wim Opbrouck for Het Laatste Nieuws, following the E3 Saxo Classic. When asked to choose between Van Aert and Van der Poel, Lefevere didn’t hesitate. “I had Adrie for three years in my team. I’ve known Mathieu since he was five years old. Give me Mathieu,” he stated firmly. This connection with Van der Poel’s father, Adri, appears to be a significant factor in his decision.
Michel Wuyts, also interviewed, offered a more nuanced perspective. “Simply put: Wout in the cross-country, Mathieu in the classics. The great progress of Mathieu van der Poel has been that he has developed a more professional attitude by spending a large part of the year in Spain,” Wuyts explained. He added that this move allowed Van der Poel to rediscover his love for road cycling and a greater sense of seriousness, while still maintaining a playful spirit.
A Free-Spirited Van der Poel
Lefevere highlighted Van der Poel’s unwavering determination and resilience. “Mathieu doesn’t care about anything – if People can use that word. He wins in Tirreno-Adriatico. And I wouldn’t be surprised if he was on a golf course two days later,” Lefevere remarked. This speaks to Van der Poel’s seemingly boundless energy and willingness to pursue diverse interests even during the competitive season.
Lefevere also pointed to the unique privileges Van der Poel enjoys within his Alpecin-Deceuninck team. “I would never have allowed any of my riders to go skiing. It was even in the contracts that it wasn’t allowed. But he does it. But, well, he is the boss of the team. The Roodhooft brothers do well, especially considering where they come from, but Mathieu decides, you know,” Lefevere concluded. This suggests a level of autonomy and control that is unusual for even the most prominent cyclists.
The Van Aert-Van der Poel rivalry, documented extensively since their junior years – even dating back to cyclo-cross competitions in 2012 – has become a cornerstone of modern cycling. As Wikipedia details, the two have competed against each other across multiple disciplines, building a legacy that transcends national boundaries. Van Aert, representing Belgium and riding for Team Visma–Lease a Bike, and Van der Poel, from the Netherlands and with Alpecin–Deceuninck, have consistently pushed each other to new heights.
The contrasting styles of the two riders are also well-documented. In cyclo-cross, Van Aert often excels on muddy, challenging courses, while Van der Poel thrives on punchy terrains and late-race attacks. On the road, Van Aert has demonstrated superior time-trialing, climbing, and sprinting abilities, whereas Van der Poel is renowned as a powerful puncheur and classics specialist. These differences contribute to the dynamic and unpredictable nature of their head-to-head battles.
Lefevere’s comments, while clearly favoring Van der Poel, also acknowledge Van Aert’s strengths. He noted a perceived trend of Van Aert becoming increasingly like Raymond Poulidor – a legendary French cyclist known for his consistent performance but often falling just short of victory. “The more he falls and experiences setbacks, the more fans he has,” Lefevere observed, a somewhat backhanded compliment that speaks to Van Aert’s enduring popularity despite facing adversity.
The upcoming races – Middelkerke-Wevelgem, the Tour of Flanders, and Paris-Roubaix – will provide further opportunities for Van Aert and Van der Poel to test their mettle against each other. These iconic classics are known for their demanding courses and unpredictable conditions, making them the perfect stage for the continuation of this captivating rivalry. Fans around the world will be watching closely to see who emerges victorious.
The dynamic between the two riders extends beyond the racecourse. Van der Poel’s willingness to embrace activities outside of cycling, such as golf, highlights a more relaxed and unconventional approach. This contrasts with the more disciplined and focused approach often associated with professional cycling, and it’s a characteristic that Lefevere clearly appreciates.
As the spring classics unfold, the Van Aert-Van der Poel rivalry will undoubtedly remain a central storyline. Lefevere’s endorsement of Van der Poel adds another layer of intrigue to the narrative, and it will be fascinating to see how the two riders respond to the pressure and expectations as they compete for glory on the world’s most prestigious cycling stages.
The next major test for both riders will be the Tour of Flanders on March 30th. This race is considered one of the most challenging and prestigious one-day races in the world, and it will be a crucial opportunity for both Van Aert and Van der Poel to demonstrate their capabilities. Fans can follow live coverage of the race on various sports networks and streaming platforms.
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