Teams & Riders The "MVP" Mathieu Van der Poel Road Discussion Thread

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Mar 23, 2024
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Some people suggested a triple incoming after some random Tirreno workouts...
I was very bold and very wrong. Mathieu not on a good day today I think. He was blown after the Cipressa and was taking some small drink, probably pickle juice. He didnt look good at all really. Not moving up quickly on the Cipressa and into the Poggio skipping turns.
 
Jul 7, 2013
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Either he's washed (or hurt from crash and chase) or he was on a bad day. No other way to explain not being able to follow Pidcock.

Maybe just 1% off, as he said in an interview before the race. Some days are better some are a bit worse, it's not always constant level.
 
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Rou

Mar 20, 2024
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Either he's washed (or hurt from crash and chase) or he was on a bad day. No other way to explain not being able to follow Pidcock.
They did a Cipressa record after a slower start which means the second part was brutal.
Mvdp's legs were zapped. He is far from washed.
 
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Jan 31, 2021
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They did a Cipressa record after a slower start which means the second part was brutal.
Mvdp's legs were zapped. He is far from washed.
So on a bad day then. If Pidcock is able to hang, then so should a fit Mathieu,
 
Jan 31, 2021
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Was Tadej fit after the crash?
If the crash materially harmed Tadej's capabilities today and he still did what we did, there is no hope for anyone in cycling.

I'm not going to say MVDP's crash was a bigger issue than Pog's. I'm saying he was on a bad day. No other way to explain getting rinsed by Pidcock.
 
Sep 1, 2023
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If the crash materially harmed Tadej's capabilities today and he still did what we did, there is no hope for anyone in cycling.

I'm not going to say MVDP's crash was a bigger issue than Pog's. I'm saying he was on a bad day. No other way to explain getting rinsed by Pidcock.
Pidcock avoided the crash, that's why he could hang on with Pogi. Probably.
 
Apr 12, 2025
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I'm not going to say MVDP's crash was a bigger issue than Pog's. I'm saying he was on a bad day. No other way to explain getting rinsed by Pidcock.
Come on... lets not pretend that Pidcock is not one of the best puncheurs in the peloton and also a very good climber. This dude finished 3rd in last year's Vuelta AND Fleche Wallone.
He's great in short climbs.
 
Feb 20, 2012
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Pogacar: causes crash that injures Van der Poel

Van der Poel: "You have my undying loyalty"

The Pogholm syndrome is real
 
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Jan 31, 2021
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Come on... lets not pretend that Pidcock is not one of the best puncheurs in the peloton and also a very good climber. This dude finished 3rd in last year's Vuelta AND Fleche Wallone.
He's great in short climbs.
MVDP has had no issue following any Pog attack for 4 years at MSR. Today he gets ridden out of the wheel while Pidcock follows easily. Either MVDP was poor today for whatever reason or Tadej has made an immense leap. No other possibility remains.
 
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Sep 1, 2023
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MVDP has had no issue following any Pog attack for 4 years at MSR. Today he gets ridden out of the wheel while Pidcock follows easily. Either MVDP was poor today for whatever reason or Tadej has made an immense leap. No other possibility remains.
Pidcock was the only one who could follow, so what's that saying?
Someday, MVDP must decline. He's older than Pogi.
 
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Oct 15, 2017
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MVDP has had no issue following any Pog attack for 4 years at MSR. Today he gets ridden out of the wheel while Pidcock follows easily. Either MVDP was poor today for whatever reason or Tadej has made an immense leap. No other possibility remains.
He did well to follow on Cipressa. Just couldnt follow on Poggio this time. Had to take this own tempo.

I dont think he was poor. Thats pretty harsh saying given the performance he still had imo. It was a great effort that Pog, Pidcock and did on Cipressa. Maybe he wins that sprint again if he would have held on.
 
Jun 17, 2024
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Either MVDP was poor today for whatever reason or Tadej has made an immense leap. No other possibility remains.
In betwen likely. Pogacar has taken a leap again without a doubt..But likely it cost alot for MvdP that crash (just like it obviously did Pogi but no the point) and Pidcock was fresher. Its likely something in the middle.
 
Sep 1, 2023
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In betwen likely. Pogacar has taken a leap again without a doubt..But likely it cost MvdP alot MvdP that crash (just like it obviously did Pogi but no the point) and Pidcock was fresher and helped him. Its likely something in the middle.
Pidcock is also better than he has ever been
 
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