Mathieu van der Poel's training routine has been a topic of interest for cycling enthusiasts, especially given his remarkable achievements in one-day racing. His former coach, Michel Cornelisse, sheds light on the secrets behind his success. According to Cornelisse, van der Poel's ability to perform at his peak during crucial races is a result of his selective and intense training regimen. By focusing on quality over quantity, van der Poel ensures he is at his best when it matters most.
But here's where it gets controversial... Cornelisse suggests that van der Poel's success is not solely due to his training but also to his mindset. He believes that van der Poel approaches each race with the confidence that he can win, which is a mindset that Tadej Pogacar also possesses. This mindset, combined with their ability to perform at 100% on the most important days, sets them apart from the rest.
Van der Poel's training intensity is also noteworthy. Cornelisse recalls an anecdote where van der Poel rode at an astonishing 38 km/h alone, while his team was riding at around 33 km/h. This highlights the dedication and focus required to excel in cycling. However, it also raises the question: is this level of intensity sustainable for the long term?
Despite van der Poel's dominance, Pogacar remains a formidable opponent. Cornelisse praises Pogacar's potential to become the first rider to win all the classics, but he also acknowledges the challenge posed by van der Poel. With van der Poel's slight edge in final sprints, Pogacar's path to achieving his goal may not be as straightforward as it seems.
In the end, the question remains: can Pogacar overcome the challenge posed by van der Poel and achieve his goal of winning all the classics? The answer lies in the balance between training intensity, mindset, and the ability to perform at the highest level when it matters most. As cycling fans, we can only wait and see how this rivalry unfolds in the coming years.
