Tadej Pogacar has been a star in cycling lately, conquering races around the globe. His biggest rival in the Classics seems to be Mathieu van der Poel. Still, questions arise about how long Pogacar can keep this up. Johan Museeuw and Axel Merckx, both legends in the sport, express concerns—though not about his physical strength. Instead, they worry about the mental pressures that come with being at the top.
Museeuw is critical of Pogacar’s racing style. He feels that it’s becoming predictable, stating that Pogacar attacks in similar ways during races. He also laments the decreasing role of tactics in modern cycling. “In a few hours, Pogacar’s team just controls the race, and he wins,” Museeuw says.
On the flip side, Merckx offers a more positive view. He reflects on how Pogacar brings energy and freshness to the sport, pointing out that even after grueling races, he seems less tired than his competitors. “You almost wonder if he really rode for over six hours,” he mentions following one recent World Championships race.
### Finding Balance
After a year filled with 20 wins, including a World Championship title and the Tour de France, Pogacar’s offseason is vital. While many cyclists take a break away from the spotlight, he has been spotted at various events, which could lead to burnout. Museeuw believes this lifestyle may take a toll. He emphasizes the need for mental recovery. After all, even top athletes need downtime.
Merckx supports this view, noting that constant attention can be mentally draining. He reflects on how mental fatigue often outweighs physical exhaustion in a sports career.
### Future Rivalries
Looking ahead to 2026, Pogacar remains the favorite in major events, especially against van der Poel. Museeuw and Merckx both indicate that van der Poel is Pogacar’s only real threat in important one-day races. Merckx bluntly states, “Without Van der Poel, Pogacar would have already claimed all the Monuments.”
Museeuw admires van der Poel’s competitive spirit, saying that if he had to choose a current rider, it would be him. He appreciates van der Poel’s win-at-all-costs attitude and flair.
Merckx also praises van der Poel’s ability to manage rest better than Pogacar. While Pogacar thrives on attention, van der Poel knows when to step back. He often spends his downtime in a relaxed environment, enjoying golf and other activities that help clear his mind.
### Understanding the Pressure
The mental aspect of cycling is as crucial as physical training. A recent survey by the International Journal of Sports Physiology shows that mental fatigue significantly impacts athletes’ performance. This emphasizes the importance of balance between competition and relaxation for peak performance.
In conclusion, while Pogacar continues to dominate, the mental game is just beginning to unfold. Both he and his rivals need to find that sweet spot between maintaining competitiveness and taking the necessary breaks. The cycling world will be watching closely as these dynamics play out.
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Cycling,Mathieu van der Poel,Tadej Pogacar,Axel Merckx
