"We owe a lot to each other" - Mathieu van der Poel full of respect as he details Wout van Aert rivalry

Mathieu van der Poel and Wout van Aert are set to get head to head for the first time this winter in Mol over the coming weekend. Prior to this, the Dutchman has opened up on the legendary rivalry via the Geraint Thomas Cycling Club Podcast.

"Me and Wout have been competing against each other for a long time," Van der Poel tells Thomas and co-host Tom Fordyce. "That started in the field and we have continued it on the road. I think we will always be mentioned in the same breath, but we also owe a lot to each other. We've been pushing each other for more than ten years. I always had to be and give 110% to beat him, he is a super difficult opponent. And there has always been mutual respect between us."

Both on the road and in the cross, the duels between van Aert and van der Poel are something that will live long in the sport's folklore. However, whilst there may be respect, van der Poel admits the relationship they share isn't exactly something he'd call friendship. "It's difficult to be friends," he says honestly.

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"For example, I have a very good relationship with Remco, but that is a different kind of rivalry. Me and Remco rarely compete in the same races," Van der Poel clarifies. "Wout is more of a rival than a friend. But there has always been respect, and that is the best way to deal with each other. It would also be crazy to become friends just because he makes sure you have to be at your best. Maybe it's something for after our career."