The cycling world is abuzz with a bold statement from Tiesj Benoot, a seasoned rider who's never reached the podium of a monument race but has consistently finished in the Top 10. Benoot's warning to his rivals in the classics is clear: it's time to stop collaborating with the dominant forces, Mathieu van der Poel and Tadej Pogacar, in the crucial moments of the race. Benoot argues that this strategy is essential for any rider hoping to challenge the 'big two' for victory in the prestigious one-day races.
Benoot's frustration stems from the current state of the classics, where van der Poel and Pogacar have become such formidable forces that it's nearly impossible for others to compete. The Belgian rider acknowledges the difficulty of winning these races, stating, 'I wouldn't call it a dream. I still have ambitions, but I know it won't drastically change my life.' He finds the most joy in the finales of these races, where he can contribute to the team's success.
The dominance of van der Poel and Pogacar is evident in their recent achievements. In 2025, they won all five monuments, with the only exception being the Milano-Sanremo, where the winner didn't cross the line alone. This trend is expected to continue in 2026, with few riders capable of challenging their supremacy. Benoot suggests that the situation has become a utopia for many, but he believes there's still hope for improvement.
The key to success, according to Benoot, lies in a strategic shift. He proposes that rivals of the 'big two' should stop leading the race when van der Poel and Pogacar are in the mix. This bold move, he argues, is necessary to even stand a chance of winning the big one-day races. Benoot's perspective highlights the challenge of racing for second place when helping the leaders.
However, Benoot also acknowledges the complexity of the situation. He notes that sometimes, the opposite effect occurs, where Pogacar's attacks lead to a race for second and third places. He provides an example from the 2024 Liège-Bastogne-Liège, where he rode for the podium in a large group, while van der Poel finished third after a strong comeback through the headwind. This nuanced approach adds depth to the discussion, inviting further exploration of the strategies that could benefit riders like Benoot.
