"Not by a long shot" - Belgian legend Roger de Vlaeminck argues Mathieu van der Poel is not the best cyclocross rider in history

Roger de Vlaeminck was known for his many victories in pro cycling, including many monuments and dozens of Grand Tour stage wins. Currently he is more often in the spotlight due to his strong opinions, often against the current best in the world such as Tadej Pogacar and Mathieu van der Poel. Recently, he has battled against the idea that the latter is the best cyclocross racer in histroy.

“Of course Van der Poel, Evenepoel and Pogacar are good riders, but when I watch them I cannot enjoy it,” the 78-year old said in an interview with Het Nieuwsblad. “I want to ride, to race against those guys, beat them the way I sometimes could beat Merckx.”

“Merckx, man, he was such a strong person. Do you know I was sometimes afraid of him. It hurt, just sitting in his wheel,” he joked. “And still I won 512 races. 512. Do you want me to list them all".

The Belgian's remarks on van der Poel are nothing new. Only months ago, he argued that the Dutchman "can't climb, he can't sprint, he can't hold his own in the time trial... there's not much left". This past weekend, van der Poel rode onto the absolute victory record in the men's elite cyclocross world championship tally, winning his eighth and overtaking Roger's brother Eric De Vlaeminck.

Does that make van der Poel, the record holder of world titles and world cup wins, as the best to ever do it? “Bloody hell, no. Not by a long shot," the veteran argues. “With Eric it was over at 28, worn out by his foolishness. How many more titles could he not have won".

“He is good. Not the best, but good. I like watching him. He always fights,” he said. “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.”