The two have not actually faced each other much so far. At Tirreno-Adriatico the duo faced in the hilly stage but in the GC the Belgian was not a threat. Whilst Pogacar missed Liège-Bastogne-Liège and cracked at the Clasica San Sebastian, he targeted the
Tour de France and Il Lombardia whilst Evenepoel rode the Vuelta a Espana and World Championships.
The two are also set to ride very different programs in 2023, as Evenepoel will target some early-season stage-races and the Giro d'Italia, and Pogacar will eye the spring classics, and
Tour de France. However, both are scheduled to ride the UAE Tour, which could prove to be a very interesting race - that will, as always, feature other strong climbers.
Asked if Evenepoel would be the only young rider coming in to dispute his dominance in the mountains, the Slovenian answered: "No, there are also other riders coming now, even younger riders, maybe even stronger, you never know who's going to beat you next."