Sep Vanmarcke compares Classics superstars: "Mathieu van der Poel and Tadej Pogacar are naturally much calmer. While Wout van Aert experiences more stress"

Mathieu van der Poel, Tadej Pogacar and Wout van Aert are three of the biggest superstars in the sport of cycling today. When comparing the palmares of the three riders though, Van Aert has notably had much less success in the monuments, with just 1 victory compared to the 6 of Van der Poel and 7 of Pogacar.

Given his immense talent, what could be the reason behind the perceived underachievement from Van Aert in the sport's biggest one day races? Well, according to ex-pro turned Israel - Premier Tech sports director Sep Vanmarcke, it has as much to do with mentality as it does ability. "My feeling is that Van der Poel, and also Pogacar, are naturally much calmer. While Van Aert experiences more stress," explains the Belgian in Sport Knack. "I also have the impression that he reads more what is said about him. That may make him more vulnerable."

That's not to say Vanmarcke doesn't expect big things from his compatriot in 2025 though, far from it. According to the 36-year-old former Omloop Het Nieuwsblad winner, Van Aert has more than enough natural talent to compete with Pogacar and Van der Poel this Spring. "Van Aert has already experienced a number of phenomenal periods, which he could continue for weeks or even months," he recalls. "Just think of the Strade Bianche and Milano-Sanremo that he won after the covid epidemic. Or his fantastic performances during several editions of the Tour de France."

"In last year's Vuelta he was still growing to a very high level," Vanmarcke continues, noting his most recent example. "He will have to be completely top and everything will have to fall into place, but if that happens, I think he can still compete with Pogacar and Van der Poel. I certainly expect a strong Van Aert this year."