“I Died a Thousand Deaths Holding Pogacar” – Van der Poel Reveals Brutal Struggle in… see… more 

In a post-race admission that perfectly captured the sheer brutality of modern cycling, Dutch superstar Mathieu van der Poel confessed to the agony he endured while trying to keep up with Tadej Pogačar during their latest head-to-head battle.

“I died a thousand deaths holding Pogacar,” Van der Poel said, reflecting on his grueling effort to match the Slovenian phenomenon. The remark sent shockwaves through the cycling world, offering a rare glimpse into the raw suffering at the highest level of the sport.

A Clash of Titans

The duel between Pogačar and Van der Poel has become one of cycling’s most thrilling rivalries. Whether it’s the cobbled classics or the high mountains, whenever these two cross paths, fireworks follow.

This time, the battlefield was set on one of the season’s biggest one-day races, where Van der Poel, known for his sheer power and aggressive racing style, found himself hanging on for dear life as Pogačar unleashed relentless attacks.

“He never stops pushing,” Van der Poel continued, shaking his head in disbelief. “I tried to hold on, but every time I thought he would slow down, he just went again.”

Pogačar’s Relentless Style

Tadej Pogačar, a two-time Tour de France champion and already a legend at just 25 years old, has made a habit of breaking his rivals with his aggressive, almost reckless attacks. While many expected the Dutchman to go toe-to-toe with him, Van der Poel’s own words confirmed the reality: keeping up with Pogačar is almost impossible.

Cycling fans were quick to react to Van der Poel’s dramatic statement, with many pointing out that if even a rider of his caliber was suffering this much, it spoke volumes about Pogačar’s dominance.

More Than Just a Rivalry

Despite the pain and suffering, Van der Poel acknowledged his admiration for the Slovenian rider. “It’s brutal, but this is why we race. You want to test yourself against the best. And right now, he is the best.”

The rivalry between these two has already become legendary, with the cycling world eager for their next encounter. If history has taught us anything, it’s that whenever Van der Poel and Pogačar meet on the road, cycling fans are in for a treat.

So, what’s next? With more major races on the horizon, all eyes will be on Van der Poel to see if he can turn the tables on Pogačar. But if his latest words are anything to go by, he knows he’s up against something truly special.