I’ve had Armstrong comparisons in my head more than once when watching Remco, mostly the mentality. Similarly very sure of who he is and what he’s after.
Also very different in many ways, notably he seems to genuinely root for and work for his teammates success, and will occasionally defer. Might just be an age thing, when he’s 27 and has the palmares he’ll likely have, I won’t expect him to defer to anyone.
Yes, and he’s not a sociopath. I would say that would be the biggest difference.
Mentality reminds me more of Hinault or even, yes, Merckx. He has “la hargne” as they say.
Those thinking/hoping he will burn out soon because he is successful so young are in for disappointment. I do not believe that is in his DNA.
In terms of good guy/bad guy with Pog. It’s weird, Pog seems like a hugely fun and nice guy. And the way he rides is exciting without a doubt. However, I find myself not connecting emotionally. I am in awe. I would prefer his way of riding/attacking more than almost any other rider, and yet…perhaps it is the lack of personal adversity to date. And he has no naysayers. In the meantime, Remco has had to deal with huge expectations, myriad naysayers, and a career and life-threatening crash.