The cycling world is abuzz with a fiery debate sparked by Belgian legend Roger de Vlaeminck, who has boldly declared that Mathieu van der Poel is not the best cyclocross rider in history. This statement, made in an interview with Het Nieuwsblad, has ignited a passionate discussion among cycling enthusiasts and fans alike. But here's where it gets controversial...
Roger de Vlaeminck, a veteran of the sport with a remarkable 512 race victories to his name, is no stranger to expressing his opinions. In the past, he has been vocal about van der Poel's perceived weaknesses, stating that he 'can't climb, he can't sprint, and he can't hold his own in the time trial.' However, this time, his comments have taken a different turn.
In the interview, de Vlaeminck, now 78, shared his thoughts on the current crop of top cyclists, including van der Poel, Tadej Pogacar, and Remco Evenepoel. He expressed his admiration for their skills but also revealed a deep-seated desire to race against them, just as he once raced against the legendary Eddy Merckx.
'Merckx, man, he was such a strong person,' de Vlaeminck recalled with a smile. 'Do you know I was sometimes afraid of him? It hurt, just sitting in his wheel. And still, I won 512 races. 512. Do you want me to list them all?'
So, what does de Vlaeminck make of van der Poel's impressive record, which includes an absolute victory in the men's elite cyclocross world championship, overtaking his brother Eric De Vlaeminck's record? 'Bloody hell, no. Not by a long shot,' he asserts. 'With Eric, it was over at 28, worn out by his foolishness. How many more titles could he not have won?'
De Vlaeminck acknowledges van der Poel's talent, describing him as 'good, not the best, but good.' He admires his fighting spirit and the challenge he poses to other riders. 'If you can stay in Van der Poel's wheel for three, four laps, then you are not bad. Nys can do that. I am a supporter.'
This debate raises an intriguing question: What makes a rider the 'best' in a sport as demanding as cyclocross? Is it the number of titles won, the consistency of performance, or the ability to inspire and challenge others? As de Vlaeminck's comments suggest, the answer may be subjective and open to interpretation. So, what do you think? Is van der Poel the best cyclocross rider in history, or is there another rider who deserves this title? Share your thoughts in the comments below and let the discussion unfold!
