Tadej Pogačar** has made a name for himself primarily in grand tours, becoming a two-time *Tour de France* champion by the age of 24. Known for

The rivalry between Tadej Pogačar and Wout van Aert, sometimes referred to as “James Vangaad” in error, represents one of the most dynamic and captivating stories in modern cycling. These two riders have clashed across different terrains and race formats, showcasing their remarkable versatility and talent.

• **Tadej Pogačar** has made a name for himself primarily in grand tours, becoming a two-time *Tour de France* champion by the age of 24. Known for his climbing prowess and endurance, Pogačar also proved in 2023 that he can compete in the tough, unpredictable one-day races, particularly the *Spring Classics*. His victory at the *Tour of Flanders* in 2023 was a milestone, as he became the first rider since cycling legend Eddy Merckx to win both the Tour de France and the Tour of Flanders【6†source】.

 

**Wout van Aert**, on the other hand, has established himself as a dominant force in one-day races and cyclo-cross. A Belgian powerhouse, van Aert excels on the cobbles of the *Classics* and is a formidable sprinter. His versatility is astonishing, as he is capable of winning sprints, time trials, and surviving long, grueling mountain stages. In races like *Paris-Roubaix* and *E3 Saxo Classic*, van Aert has demonstrated his strength and tactical brilliance【8†source

 

While Pogačar and van Aert have different primary specialties, they frequently meet in races that require both endurance and tactical intelligence. For example, in the 2023 *Tour of Flanders*, Pogačar outlasted van Aert in the final climbs to secure victory. Van Aert, despite being a top favorite, couldn’t match Pogačar’s attacks on the ascents, showcasing how their rivalry plays out based on their different strengths—Pogačar’s climbing and van Aert’s ability on the flat and sprint stages【6†source】【7†source】.

 

Their rivalry also embodies a broader clash of styles. Pogačar represents the new wave of riders who can dominate in multiple disciplines, combining the endurance required for stage races with the explosive power needed for Classics. Van Aert, already a well-established star in the Classics and cyclo-cross, also dabbles in the grand tours but hasn’t yet reached Pogačar’s dominance in that area.

 

 

As cycling becomes more unpredictable and all-rounder riders like Pogačar and van Aert continue to break traditional molds, their rivalry is likely to heat up further. While Pogačar focuses on winning more grand tours, he has hinted at competing more often in the Classics, while van Aert will continue to defend his territory in one-day races, particularly in events like *Paris-Roubaix* and *Strade Bianche*【7†source】【8†source】.

 

Their battles, characterized by tactical depth, mutual respect, and fierce competition, make for thrilling race spectacles, and their rivalry promises to define cycling for the foreseeable future. Fans are eager to see who will prevail in the next chapters of this rivalry, whether on the cobblestones of Flanders or the high peaks of the Alps.