By Flashnews 
Filippo Pozzato Declares Mathieu van der Poel the Top One-Day Race Specialist, Edging Out Tadej Pogacar”
In a recent interview, retired Italian cyclist Filippo Pozzato weighed in on the debate over who is the best rider for one-day races, firmly backing Mathieu van der Poel over Tadej Pogacar, despite the latter’s extraordinary achievements. Pozzato, a former classics specialist with wins in events like Milan-San Remo, pointed to van der Poel’s versatility, tactical brilliance, and ability to handle the unpredictable nature of one-day races as key factors in his dominance Van der Poel’s Mastery of One-Day Races
Mathieu van der Poel has solidified his reputation as one of the most talented riders in one-day races, a discipline that requires not only exceptional physical prowess but also strategic acumen and mental resilience. In 2023 alone, van der Poel secured victories at the **Tour of Flanders** and **Paris-Roubaix**, two of the most prestigious one-day races in cycling, known as **Monuments**. These victories were especially significant given the unique challenges of these races—steep climbs, cobbled sections, and the need for flawless tactical execution.
For Pozzato, these results demonstrate van der Poel’s unmatched ability to handle the demands of one-day events. He highlighted van der Poel’s ability to read races and adapt to rapidly changing conditions as reasons why he stands out in the field. “Van der Poel has the perfect combination of power, endurance, and the ability to launch the decisive attack at the right moment,” Pozzato explained, adding that the Dutchman’s explosive style and fearlessness make him particularly dangerous in these kinds of races.
Tadej Pogacar’s Brilliance
On the other hand, **Tadej Pogacar** has made headlines not only for his Grand Tour dominance—he is a two-time Tour de France champion—but also for his prowess in one-day races. Pogacar’s versatility is almost unparalleled, with victories in **Liège-Bastogne-Liège**, **Il Lombardia**, and **Amstel Gold Race**, all of which demand a unique combination of climbing ability and tactical intelligence. He has shown that he can adapt to both stage racing and single-day events with ease.
In 2023, Pogacar’s stellar form continued, as he won two of the five Monuments, showcasing his climbing skills, endurance, and sprinting power. His ability to perform well in both stage races and one-day classics has prompted comparisons with legends of the sport, making him a favorite for many cycling fans and pundits in the conversation of the best rider of his generation.
Pozzato’s Perspective
Despite Pogacar’s brilliance, Filippo Pozzato stands firm in his assessment that van der Poel remains the superior rider for one-day events. While he acknowledges Pogacar’s impressive accomplishments, especially in challenging hilly races, he believes van der Poel’s background in **cyclocross** and his more aggressive racing style give him an edge in the unpredictable nature of one-day classics. “Van der Poel’s ability to manage the chaos, and his sharp sense of timing in attacks, makes him the more complete rider for one-day races,” Pozzato elaborated.
Pozzato’s viewpoint isn’t entirely surprising given his own experience and style as a former one-day race specialist. He understands firsthand the demands of the classics and seems to admire van der Poel’s tenacity and tactical approach. Pozzato also pointed out that van der Poel’s ability to adapt to different terrains, from cobbles to sharp climbs, and his consistency across various one-day races, truly make him a standout rider.
The Battle of Styles
The debate over who is the best one-day race specialist largely comes down to a clash of styles. Van der Poel is known for his aggressive, all-or-nothing attacks, often choosing to attack early and disrupt the rhythm of his competitors. Meanwhile, Pogacar is more calculated, often using his superior endurance to wear down his rivals before making his move in the final moments. Both approaches have their merits, and both have led to memorable victories.
Ultimately, Pozzato’s claim that van der Poel is the best rider for one-day races may resonate with fans of aggressive, attacking cycling. However, with Pogacar still relatively young and continuing to develop his skill set, the debate over which rider is the best for the classics is far from settled. What is clear is that cycling fans are witnessing a golden era, with both van der Poel and Pogacar pushing the limits of what is possible in one-day races.