Van der Poel & Pogačar: Monument Showdown & Record Chases in 2026 Classics

Mathieu van der Poel, fresh off a record-breaking eighth cyclocross world title and a period of recovery on the ski slopes of Livigno, is now focused on the spring classics and a highly anticipated rematch with Tadej Pogačar. The rivalry between these two cycling titans is shaping up to be a defining one for the sport.

A Generational Clash

Van der Poel’s transition from cyclocross dominance to the cobbled classics marks a renewed challenge for GOAT status. According to Van der Poel, he will decide whether to race Omloop Het Nieuwsblad the week before Tirreno-Adriatico, mirroring his approach from the previous year. This spring promises a “generational clash” as both riders aim to solidify their legacies on the iconic courses of the spring classics.

Van der Poel’s Pursuit of Records

The 31-year-old Van der Poel is poised to potentially break several records this season. A win in both the Tour of Flanders and Paris-Roubaix in 2026 would cement his place as the greatest cobbled classics rider in modern history. Currently tied with several other riders, including Eddy Merckx, Tom Boonen, and Fabian Cancellara, with three wins each in the Tour of Flanders, a victory this year would give Van der Poel an outright record of four wins.

Did You Know? Mathieu van der Poel has won 13 consecutive cyclocross races in the 2025/26 season, and 37 of his last 38 races.

Paris-Roubaix presents another opportunity for Van der Poel to make history. A win would equal the all-time record of four victories, currently held by Roger De Vlaeminck and Tom Boonen. He already holds the record for the fastest editions of Paris-Roubaix, with his 2024 win at 47.80 km/h. He shares the record for the longest solo winning break, a 60km effort matched in 2024.

Pogačar’s Challenge

While Van der Poel excels on the cobbles, Tadej Pogačar presents a formidable challenge across a wider range of classic courses. Pogačar already has 10 monument victories and is closing in on the all-time record of 19, held by Eddy Merckx. Unlike previous rivalries, such as Boonen and Cancellara, Van der Poel and Pogačar possess different strengths, with Van der Poel being a traditional classics rider and Pogačar an all-rounder.

Expert Insight: The contrasting styles of Van der Poel and Pogačar create a compelling dynamic in monument racing, as each rider’s strengths are best suited to different types of courses. This rivalry is likely to continue to push both athletes to their limits.

Since the 2020 season, Van der Poel, Pogačar, and Remco Evenepoel have dominated monument racing, winning 20 of the 24 contested races. Since 2022, only three monuments have been won by riders other than these three: Matej Mohorič and Dylan Van Baarle in 2022, and Jasper Philipsen in 2024.

The Broader Competitive Landscape

The 2026 monument season is expected to be highly competitive, with riders like Mads Pedersen, Wout van Aert, and teams like Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe and Soudal Quick-Step all vying for victory. However, Van der Poel and Pogačar remain the clear frontrunners, with the spring classics and the Montréal road worlds representing key opportunities to further cement their legacies.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a “monument” in cycling?

A “monument” refers to the five most prestigious one-day classic cycling races: Milan–San Remo, Tour of Flanders, Paris–Roubaix, Liège–Bastogne–Liège, and Lombardy.

How many monument victories does Van der Poel currently have?

Van der Poel is currently tied with Rik Van Looy in seventh place with eight monument victories.

Who are the only other riders to win a monument since 2022 besides Van der Poel, Pogačar, and Evenepoel?

Matej Mohorič, Dylan Van Baarle, and Jasper Philipsen are the only other riders to win a monument since 2022.

As both Van der Poel and Pogačar continue to chase cycling history, what impact will their rivalry have on the future of one-day racing?