"I don’t see a reason why they should just stay in the wheel" - Johan Museeuw defends criticism of Mathieu van der Poel after Flanders

There was a lot of discussion following the Tour of Flanders, where many did not understand the reason behind Mathieu van der Poel's insistent collaboration with Tadej Pogacar. The 'Lion of Flanders' himself Johan Museeuw defends the Dutchman in what he believes is the new generation's way of racing.

“These guys don’t think, they just go. When they feel it’s the moment, they open the race and commit," Museeuw said in an interview with Domestique. "The teams control everything, UAE controls the race, Alpecin too, and that makes it very difficult for the others to do anything because it’s controlled from the beginning.”

That applied to Flanders, and whilst Paris-Roubaix is a much more chaotic race on paper, there aren't many riders who can potentially be in the mix with the 'big two'. In Flanders however, van der Poel worked with Pogacar and was dropped in the exact same way as had happened 12 months ago, with the race deciding moves almost following an exact script.

In the backdrop of Pogacar's absolute climbing domination, there were questions regarding Remco Evenepoel but mostly Mathieu van der Poel's work, which would directly diminish their chances of winning the monument.

“Why wouldn’t Mathieu van der Poel work with Tadej Pogacar if they’re in a breakaway? I’ve heard that question a couple of times this week. That’s just this generation. They are extreme riders," is Museeuw's answer.

"Van der Poel isn’t the kind of rider who will just sit in the wheel. I think these riders are happier if they can work, do the job that they have to do, and if they get dropped, they are dropped.”

The collaboration of Tadej Pogacar's rivals with him has long been a reason for his dominance in races, with the lack of anticipating moves or tactical adaptations leading to the expected outcomes at the end of races. This even applies to generational riders such as van der Poel, on given events.

"I don't think Van der Poel would stay in the wheel. If he stayed in the wheel, it means he's having a bad day, and he also will not win. That's the thing. Pogacar's so strong, even if he stays in the wheel, he can also beat him in the sprint, that's what it is.”

In Paris-Roubaix last year the two moved off the front and worked together until Pogacar crashed. They finished first and second, but a sprint finish would've been possible if the World Champion hadn't gone down.

But the classics legend argues that it is more a matter of pride and responsibility. “They’re top riders, and they want to show it. I don’t see a reason why they should just stay in the wheel. They want to win like they normally win, by being the strongest in the race. If Van der Poel stays in the wheel and beats Pogacar in a sprint, I don't think he will be happy with that".