The dominance of cycling's spring classics is so overwhelming, it's practically a two-man show! For years, the cobbled classics have been a battleground of strategy and grit. However, the landscape has dramatically shifted, with Mathieu van der Poel and Tadej Pogacar now setting a pace that leaves most of the peloton struggling to keep up. Tiesj Benoot, a seasoned contender himself, is issuing a stark warning: other riders need to fundamentally change their approach if they ever hope to challenge these titans.
Benoot, while never having stood on the top step of a Monument podium, has consistently placed in the top 10 of cycling's most prestigious one-day races, including the Tour of Flanders and Liège-Bastogne-Liège. He admits that while he harbors ambitions for more, a victory feels increasingly like a distant dream. "It's not something I'd call a dream," he shared, speaking to In de Leiderstrui. "Of course, I still have aspirations, but I also recognize that it wouldn't drastically alter my life." What truly excites him is the thrill of competing in the finales of these iconic races, playing a role on the biggest stages. "For me, everything has to align perfectly to win." While he might have had a better shot in the 2010s, the current era is defined by two riders who are simply in a league of their own.
"Now that Pogacar has entered the Classics scene and Van der Poel has elevated his game, it's become a near-impossible feat for many," Benoot observes. "However, things can still happen to them, and of course, they don't participate in every race. The Tour of Flanders, for instance, has been made so demanding that traditional tactics often become irrelevant. And let's not forget the formidable strength of UAE Team Emirates."
But here's where it gets controversial: Benoot believes rivals are actively sabotaging their own chances. He doesn't see this situation as an unsolvable riddle. Instead, he proposes a decisive shift in strategy for those aiming to compete with the 'big two'. "We all need to stop leading the race when Van der Poel and Pogacar are present. I genuinely don't understand it. In my view, that's essentially racing for second place, and you're even helping them!"
It's a bold statement, especially considering that Van der Poel and Pogacar have been on a winning spree, claiming every monument in recent times. The only exception where the winner didn't cross the line solo was Milano-Sanremo. This race itself has transformed into a playground for puncheurs, even attracting climbers who now strategically target it, recognizing how UAE Team Emirates – XRG often dictates the race on the Cipressa. Looking ahead to future seasons, the prospect of any other rider clinching a monument victory seems increasingly remote.
And this is the part most people miss... Benoot suggests that if the peloton collectively concedes the win early on when Pogacar or Van der Poel launch their decisive attacks, it could actually foster a more tactical battle for the remaining podium spots, which might benefit riders like himself. "That's partly true, because sometimes you see the opposite effect," he explained. "What I mean is: Pogacar attacks, and behind him, there's a race for second and third place. That's precisely what we've witnessed in Liège-Bastogne-Liège over the past two years, where we were battling for the podium in a large group." He offered a specific example: "In 2024, Van der Poel reached the summit of the Roche-aux-Faucons about a minute behind me, but then he powered back through the headwind and still managed to finish third."
What do you think? Is Benoot right that riders should stop working for Van der Poel and Pogacar, or is he just frustrated by their sheer talent? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
