"When you see them embracing on the podium - I think that’s beautiful" - Bernard Hinault says Van der Poel - Pogacar rivalry is 'the image sport should reflect'

Mathieu van der Poel and Tadej Pogacar have lit up the Monuments of 2025 so far, sharing the three races between them and giving fans of the sport some of the most exciting racing seen in years. Although fierce rivals on the bike however, the pair are known to be good friends off the bike and it's that mutual respect that has most impressed cycling legend Bernard Hinault.

“It reminds us of the good old days. It brings back memories of what we were able to do with Eddy Merckx — like the old-school riders who didn’t overthink things. When you saw others struggling just a little, it only took a small push and bam! That’s the stuff of dreams for anyone who loves cycling," reflects Hinault in quotes collected by L'Equipe of the Van der Poel - Pogacar rivalry. "It’s a dream to watch riders who attack without second-guessing, who keep a close eye on their rivals and then — just like that — they go."

"Pogacar could have won. Unfortunately, he crashed. But that’s part of racing," adds the French icon. "Otherwise, we might have seen an incredible finale between the two of them, and one of them would’ve had to let go eventually.”

And it's this kind of racing that has reignited the 70-year-old's love for the sport. “There was a time when you’d be at home thinking: I’ll just watch the last 20 kilometres — I already know how it’s going to play out. There was no real excitement. But now? Now there is," he explains with enthusiasm, noting how this kind of riding is gradually infecting the whole peloton. "Just take the Tour de France, for example. Look at who’s out front — it’s not domestiques anymore, it’s the team leaders themselves going head-to-head. Before, it was all about team tactics, and the leader would only show up in the final kilometres. There was no spice.”

As mentioned though, it's friendly rivalry between Van der Poel and Pogacar that has really captivated. Arguably the two standout riders of their generation, the duo are clearly big fans of each other. "“Yes, but that’s the beauty of sport. You go all-in against each other during the race, and once it’s over — it’s all good. You beat me today, but tomorrow I’m coming for you. That’s the spirit," says Hinault. "It’s not about sulking or holding a grudge because someone beat you. You have to accept that sometimes, someone else is better. You can’t be on top all the time."

"One small mistake — take Paris-Roubaix, for example — maybe Pogacar went into that corner a bit too fast. He lost control of the bike, crashed, and just like that — game over. But then, at the finish, when you see them embracing on the podium — I think that’s beautiful," concludes the five-time Tour de France winner. "That’s the image sport should reflect.”