Van der Poel vs Van Aert: Who Really Is Better? | GCN Racing News Show

It is a battle for the ages. Wout van Aert vs Mathieu van der Poel. They have been racing since they were kids and, whilst still only in their mid-20s, their rivalry is what defines this generation of men’s cycling. They both have their die-hard fans, and many are equally fans of both, but our statistics guru Cillian Kelly has decided to delve into the numbers with a very special Stat Attack to find out who really is the better rider…
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00:00 Intro
00:23 MVDP vs WVA
09:20 Coming up on GCN+
Do you agree with Cillian? Are you Team Wout or Team Mathieu? Or do you just love watching them race? Let us know in the comments below! 💬
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[@gcnracing]

Do you agree with Cillian Kelly? Or do the stats lie? Who do you think is the better cyclist?

[@johnandrews3568]

Cillian.... what's mountain biking?

[@cilliankelly1]

@@johnandrews3568 I’ve no idea

[@oldanslo]

@@johnandrews3568 Fat tire cyclocross.

[@passageweather]

MvdP

[@turboplopp]

I love MvdP! Watching him is true fun! However, if I had to chose a teammate for a grand tour I'd definitely choose Mr. van Aert. He was invaluable for TJV at the TDF 2021! If the team would have worked for him, well, who knows...

[@francisbombus3949]

Both riders are an enrichment for procycling and for the bike culture. I love it when both are at the start.

[@whatwelearned]

I would say the joy is that we don't have to pick and, instead, get to enjoy the ridiculous skills of both at the same time.

[@cilliankelly1]

Yes!

[@j.erickson8571]

exactly, we are lucky to have both

[@boomshine7]

exactly, its even so that if we only had one, it would be not good for racing, it's amazing like this

[@MDP1702]

There are a few things stats don't convey: circumstances. While I do think VDP is the better CX rider, Van Aert has had 3 bad years due to bad preparation: in 2018 there was the trouble with the team and the dissolution of his contract which certainly will have impacted his perfomance since suddenly he needed to go look for sponsors, material, ... and ofcourse the worrying about all the coming legal issues. In 2019 he came back from a serious injury, which clearly impacted his performance and previous year he came back from a packed last few months of road racing (TdF, Classics, WC's, ...). This year his preparation was finally without any problems and he is dominating, while it is the opposite with Mathieu, suffering from physical problems. Obviously it would be great if VDP had a normal preparation this year too and we could see some great duels. I really wonder what the stats were after the 2017-18 season, considering Mathieu started dominated since then from my recollection. Regarding the road, things again are different. Overall Mathieu seems to be able to just pick his races/goals (as his teams most important rider) and fully prepare for them to peak at that moment. Wout on the other hand has a lot more team obligations (like helping out in the TdF) and overall a busier schedule, partially because he is so good at nearly all disciplines of road racing. These team obligations also ofcourse means that his more ridden WT races doesn't really mean that much. If VDP can go for himself in most WT races and Wout needs to ride in function of the team for half of the races, in the end they'd be more or less tied. I also would take the ITT at the TdF with a grain of salt, VDP was clearly at his topshape at that point looking at his ITT performance and his second stage win, this while Wout clearly wasn't in his best shape yet, still growing to his best shape near the end of the tour. I wouldn't even look at MTB, you can't use this for a comparison if Wout doesn't do it at all. Overall I'd say VDP is the better CX rider, but when both are in topshape it would be very close. VA is imo the better road racer due to him performing on essentially all road race disciplines (ITT, climbing, classics, sprints, ...), though VDP might be slightly better at the hilly classics, but a lot will depend on the form of the day between the two in such races.

[@nathanvercruysse6664]

This sums it up perfectly!

[@demolmetdesnor]

well written!

[@derekhicks8250]

I think as time goes on, van Aert will prove to be the more "complete" rider. Both are throwbacks to the days when the best riders could win anywhere. Both make me follow cycling more than I have in many years.

[@alexhazard6871]

Career cx: MVDP Career road: WVA Classics: MVDP TT: WVA GC: WVA Sprint: WVA Exposivity: MVDP MTB: MVDP Domestic: WVA

[@edrcozonoking]

Comparing MVP and WVA on the road is difficult, team and pelotón tactics interfere for a head to head comparison

[@theaccidentalanthropologis2743]

MVDP has more swag and talent but also sometimes questionable tactics while WVA has toughness and consistency and seems more capable of becoming a top GT rider if that was his only focus.

[@tubbytoast2]

I mean for goodness sake both these guys get called by the letters of their Name , they are the best thing to happen to cycling for decades I wish them both the greatest success !!!

[@jakkatoe]

it's like ronaldo and messi. glad they're both here.

[@utkarshtyagi10]

I am new to cycling world. Can you tell me why Tadej Pogacar in not in conversation with these 2.

[@adamg.5482]

@@utkarshtyagi10 Tadej is a different type of a rider he goes for Grand Tours although he is probbably the best overall.

[@noahmiller91]

Mouth watering is almost an understatement. I have my fingers crossed we get to see them fight it out for green this summer!

[@cilliankelly1]

Indeed. As always with these things, Potential showdowns can be tantalising but they can often be taken away from us through illness or injury or other circumstances. Let’s all hope they both stay fit and are at the absolute peak of their powers come next July.

[@philipb.1950]

I just don't see it for MVDP, when Alpecin is sprinting for Merlier

[@henrivanbemmel]

Well ... regardless Mathieu has to properly recover from his back problems or this could be over. Dunno why, but I enjoy watching MvP over WvA, but they are absolutely fantastic.

[@cilliankelly1]

And unfortunately it looks like it could be some time before he recovers. He has announced this morning that his cross season is over.

[@henrivanbemmel]

@@cilliankelly1 I expect the classics as well. I hope he is listening to the docs and not going too much of a cowboy. Even if he has dump much of 2022, better than having to retire.

[@benjaminzachwieja8133]

If I am a manager of a team, and I had the budget for one (judgement based on not factoring in their personal deals that could impact the whole team), I would pay Wout van Aert. More versatile incredibly high level results.

[@06mkmartin]

I guess you'll need to convince Wout to race XCO, then you'll find out. Also, I love that two CX riders are going to make the yellow jersey battle take a back seat to the green jersey.

[@cecio7453]

Yea that's not gonna happen.

[@MDP1702]

I don't know if VDP would go for green imo. This would mean not sending Merlier or Philipsen regarding Alpecin. And if they go with either of them instead of Mathieu in some sprints, this will impacts his points standing compared to Wout who will most likely be present at any sprint riding for himself.

[@MrIsaac-dh3uh]

There is so much talent out there that it's hard for anyone to win on any given day, so both are clearly outliers. The results between them don't really say 'better.' So many variables on any given day. I bet Las Vegas would put even odds on them in the Tour of California.

[@dennis2193]

Love both MvdP and WvA, cannot make the choice between them. Would be great if they can actually battle it out for green next year, but tbh I do'nt see it. MvdP will not do all of the sprints for Alpecin (Merlier is just faster..)

[@atn_dlm1085]

When you look at the performance of the two riders on the road. It’s clear VDP wins more than WVA. But it can’t be brought down to the wins. You’ll see WVA from the start of the season until the very end, on every type of races. Whether it is as a leader or as a domestic. This takes its toll on a cyclists performances, he can’t be at a 100% everywhere. Whereas, you’ll only see VDP twice in the season. Once during the northern and the Ardennes classics. And once at the World championships. His season solely focuses on those two periods.

[@TGShunai]

The only reason MVDP hasn't raced full seasons is because he was focussing on MTB, and he had to race MTB races in the summer for a good start place at the olympics.

[@fredw2620]

Why not mentioning the UCI ranking? or Procyclingstats? These are the real stats and facts! WVA is way ahead than MVDP (already for almost 3 years). You forgot also to mention the 2nd place of Tirreno-Adriatico, only 1 min from Pogacar! n° 3 of that race was already at 4 minutes. These are incredible results for a 80 kg rider. On the road, in my opinion it is clear ... WVA.

[@stefdereydt]

MVDP was behind on WVA on UCI raking because he doesnt compete in as much races as WVA

[@miketimmerman6336]

@@stefdereydt Maybe MVDP would have gotten credit for competing in more races if he didn't quit the tour on stage 9. That's his prerogative, but Wout's day in, day out performance should matter in this comparison.

[@stefdereydt]

@@miketimmerman6336 wva and mvdp are both competing all year long, but mvdp wanted to focus on mountainbike. Thats why he left the tour

[@miketimmerman6336]

@@stefdereydt I have all the respect for Mvdp, but judging by his Olympic result, I wouldn't say "focus" really describes what happened. 😂 In seriousness, my point was that MVDP picks and chooses events. The fact that MVDP hasn't finished a tour needs to count for something in this comparison. Wout excels even when something doesn't suit his skill set and MVDP opts out.

[@stefdereydt]

@@miketimmerman6336 the olympics where mvdps goal from 2017. And for me the most important thing is head to head races, and mvdp is better there. When mvdp attacks really full gas. WVA cant follow, if u disagree give me a few examples where wva could follow

[@lordbertos8124]

I’m a big MVP fan I think for off road he’s hands down the best On road I think he would be bested.

[@demolmetdesnor]

I feel like a big difference is that when both riders are top favorite for a race, MVP has a better chance to meet those expectations. But here are my points where I feel like Wout is more enjoyable: He has a lot more story around his wins. For example his last tour, Wout hadn't won anything, people were doubting him and suddenly he wins 3 whole different stages. Another example, the 2018 Strade Bianche, where he couldn't get up that mountain, then his big fall in 2019 where people were saying his career has ended and within 7 months, he recovers and wins Strade. A lot of his wins happened after stages where he disappointed himself, almost like taking revenge. Another big difference, Wout always keeps on fighting. If you watch old cyclocross footages, the 2020 World Championship or the 2021 Olympic Race, you see a fighter that, even when the chances of winning are small, keeps on fighting for that 2nd place. Mathieu, understandably, has a lot more examples where he gives up, except for that Amstel Gold Race of course. Last one, Wout is always doing his part. If he's topfavorite in a small group and if he has the physical strength, he will always take his responsibility and close that gap. When the team expects something from him, he'll always try and deliver. He keeps his cool and he's very respectable to the sport, riders and fans. Hope to see both of them do great things the next couple of years.

[@koenstrobbe8101]

I got the feeling the analyst already made up his mind before checking the 'stats'. Statistics are facts yes, but there's more to cycling than stats. Injuries, different races/programming of the season. Kind of impossible to compare on facts. Also, if vdp wanted to focus on the olympics he should have opted out of the tdf in my opinion. Unless i missed it, there is no mention in this video about the olympics of wva ? wva finished the tour + won silver + silver at the wc time trial + 2 times silver at previous year's wc.

[@TGShunai]

I think that it's the opposite, by the looks of this comment it's you who has made up his mind before looking at the stats ;) Jokes aside, the numbers don't lie. They have almost the same amount of victories on the road despite MVDP having about half the rider races on the road. And as stated he's won when WVA is present where as WVA mostly wins when MVDP isn't there. I don't care who's better, I am just happy to be alive to witness it firsthand!

[@koenstrobbe8101]

@@TGShunai Yes numbers don't lie. But leaving out certain information and the way it's presented makes me conclude it's biased. Nothing wrong with being a fan of either or both riders. But hey if stats is going to be the main argument, then should include all.

[@TGShunai]

@@koenstrobbe8101 I agree with you, but saying "wva finished a tour" doesn't mean anything when comparing who's the better rider for example. Winning silver at the olympics does carry some weight tho.

[@koenstrobbe8101]

@@TGShunai correct, but finishing the tour + silver at the olympics does make finishing the tour relevant if you really going to compare the two ;)

[@TGShunai]

@@koenstrobbe8101 I disagree. It would be relevant if MVDP didn't finish the tour and was in the road race and finished behind WVA. But even then it wouldn't necessarily mean that WVA would be a better rider, it would be a comparison to see whether or not it was a good idea to finish the tour. And seeing that the entire top 5 of the road race had finished the tour, I'd say it was a good idea to finish rather than to stop. But again, that's not comparing WVA to MVDP, it's comparing "Is it better to finish the tour in preparation for the olympics, or to stop early and have rest in between". But seeing that MVDP didn't even ride the road race on the olympics, it's kind of irrelevant.

[@stijncole666]

Both incredible! They spice up cycling. WVA had bigger injuries last two years, had to come back in shape during the season of cyclocross and during the last tour. What a fighter. If both on 100% they will be each others only opponents, this year MVDP is behind on schedule.

[@MrBlaineH]

Great analysis, Cillian! Loved this one as I have the others!

[@cilliankelly1]

Cheers Blaine. Really appreciate that. Glad you like it 👍🏼

[@joshspencer6240]

UCI Cyclocross World Cup results are out - W Van Aert in 1st and M Van Der Poel in 2nd place by a 49 second margin. Great video!

[@cilliankelly1]

Thanks a lot Josh. Glad you enjoyed it 👍🏼

[@pedrolahoz]

Mvdp draws more attention, definitely more charisMatic. Van Aert, more stoic, the quiet guy that does his job without wanting to much attention, seems to depend more on physical/Form superiority. His recent cx success is welcomed and well deserved . Van der Pol is more chaotic, more fun, smarter on the pedals, (except in the olympics)

[@koopalibrary]

still need to see how VdP comes out after 3 weeks of racing. I genuinely believe WvA has more what we belgians call 'inhoud' over an extended racing period. Whereas I believe in a single moment for a single race Van Der Poel can dig a little bit deeper. Wanted to add that whilst i do agree with VdP being the slightly better crosser cause of his technique and explosiveness i do believe the numbers are a bit skewed. Van Aert had a season where he came back from a major injury and a season where he was clearly struggling with his legal case against Nuyens. So i don't think the stats tell the full picture in this case.

[@cilliankelly1]

Never heard that before…inhoud. What does it mean?

[@koopalibrary]

@@cilliankelly1 hard for me to find the right words. I guess endurance mght be a good enough translation.

[@sport1349]

Class MVDP- WvA 97-28

[@Walliebal]

I am a fan of MvdP, but the trio WvA has scored in de TDF 2021 was absolutely epic. They are both beasts and I don't know who is the best ride. I absolutely enjoy both of them and they have brought (together with Alaphilippe, Roglis and Pogacar) cycling so much in financially troubling cycling-times.

[@jgogl9791]

Love the Cillian review For me, WvA edges it fractionally with his ability in the mountains. MvdP's attacks are breathtaking though.

[@cilliankelly1]

Thanks a lot. Glad you enjoyed it 👍

[@bradleycox9835]

My hope is that both these incredible cyclists will continue their battles OUTSIDE the TDF, and not get sucked into grand tour fever at the expense of other talents, races, and the rest of the season in general. I love that both riders take their skills and competitiveness to other forms of cycling, especially VDP with his love of mountain bike racing. And I'll be seriously disappointed if he gives it up for the allure of the TDF.

[@bartheyns2753]

WVA all the way !!! Quality and diversity of WVA wins are much higher than MVDP (who is a great one-day racer though). Next to winning, WVA is a great team-player working every day for Roglic, Vingegaard, Dumoulin, ... PS : And I'm doubting about MVDP physical health (back and knee problems taking months already).

[@joshuamonteith6901]

I've consistently swung back and forth rooting for each rider equally the last 8 years. To this day I can't root for one over the other which I'm completely fine with :)

[@cilliankelly1]

And that’s the beauty of it eh?

[@ryanS593]

I think WVA is a more versatile and complete rider. He can get through the entire tour where MVDP I’m not so sure can. I don’t think the green jersey for either is guaranteed. Crazy things can happen. Like people holding signs in the road

[@sanderdebroyer879]

I don't think MVD is going for green jersey in the tdf because the team hasve better sprinters like Tim Merlier and the mountains are difficult for him. Also Wout Van Aert already showed he can win sprints in sprint races.

[@erlendbor6101]

Wout is the best allround riders in the world. Mathieu is the best classic/one day rider in the world in my opinion. Personally I would go for Van der Poel

[@emiljarengrim2536]

With Dan being Mathieu van der Poels favorite GCN-presenter, I wonder who Dan picks between these two? ;) (We definitely know who Si picks!!)

[@principalcahirboysns2375]

Looking forward to the next 10+ years of the rivalry.

[@jedisdad2265]

Only time will tell if MVDP can endure a Grand Tour and still be competitive in the third week.

[@jascollinscork]

Best statistics video I’ve seen all year……. Then again you had the 2 best subjects to do it on!!! But I do think WVA and MVDP are a lot like Boonen and Cancellara in their own unique ways……. Would I be fair in saying that?? Either way great video guys!!!

[@ivarbrouwer197]

Nah.. Boonen and Cancellara rarely went head to head. Even in the classics when one won, the other was rarely present. That plus the fact that their origins and disciplines were wildly different makes that the rivalry between Cancellara and Boonen was largely a mirage, culminating in only one direct head to head in the Ronde van Vlaanderen where Boonen lost squarely, Cancellara being on another level.

[@cilliankelly1]

@@ivarbrouwer197 I completely agree with this assessment. The overlap between them was minimal and the rivalry was largely imagined or media driven. The image of both of them on the Muur in their national champions kit is so striking but that was one day. We get days like that now between Van der Poel and Van Aert on such a regular basis now that it has become normal.

[@ivarbrouwer197]

@@cilliankelly1 thnx! I think the potential for that epic rivalry was there in the classics, it was recognized by the media, fueled by their charismatic nature of the two, but it never really materialized.

[@jascollinscork]

Oh right guys thanks for putting me back in my box 😂 maybe showing yer age more than mine…… 🤔😜 but ye forgot about Boonen and Cancellara meeting regularly in the TDF…….!!! Regardless if they were there for different disciplines 😁

[@ivarbrouwer197]

@@jascollinscork no worries dude, as you concluded, I’m on the wrong side of 45… Though they both were competing in the TDF, Boonen was targeting mass Sprints, Cancellara was targeting time trials and late break aways.. so they didn’t go head to head there either.

[@z_g4874]

7:59 is such a short-sighted and even disrespectful statement. I'm sure WVA won on the Champs Elysée *because* MVDP wasn't there... You act as if MVDP is the only competition that counts and disregard WVA beating world class sprinters and time trialists just because MVDP didn't compete? One could also look at it differently and say that WVA competes on terrains MVDP doesn't even bother to. In the end they're just different riders: MVDP is a better cross rider and has a better punch. WVA is a better climber, time trialist and bunch sprinter. Edit: you also skip over the fact that WVA achieved two of his biggest wins (Strade and Milano-San Remo) over MVDP.

[@cilliankelly1]

I didn’t mean it to be disrespectful. It’s a conclusion based on facts. A large proportion of Van Aert’s wins have been achieved when Van der Poel hasn’t been there. The opposite case is not as prevalent. I didn’t mean specifically the Champs Elysees stage. I would imagine you’re right, Van Aert would probably have beaten Van der Poel in that sprint due to the long draggy nature of that finish, which Van Aert is better at. Whereas Van der Poel requires a more explosive finale.

[@ivarbrouwer197]

Those discrepancies where mentioned but brushed aside in favour of the general statistics. Yes, there have been a few stand out statistics in favour of Van Aert, (notably the worlds cross, the culmination a of the cross season) but, MVDP just had more of those.

[@z_g4874]

​@@cilliankelly1 ​"A large proportion of Van Aert’s wins have been achieved when Van der Poel hasn’t been there", is a conclusion based on facts, but that doesn't mean there's a causal link between the two. The conclusion maybe holds up for CX and the classics IMO, but that's it. I chose Champs Elysées as an example but there are many more: WVA won a silver Olympic medal on a course MVDP couldn't dream to be competitive on. WVA competes on all levels (on the road), MVDP picks his races more, which skews the statistics. Again, I don't want to discredit MVDP; he's the best in the world at what he does.

[@86Hasse]

In my opinion nothing about this segment was disrespectful to either one of the riders. It was a thorough analysis of numbers and statistics while at the same time being a hymn of praise to both of them. Well done Cillian!

[@ivarbrouwer197]

@@z_g4874 ‘MVDP picks his races’ well to a degree, but MVDP needs to if he wants to compete on the MTB. you can subtract the MTB races for the races that WVA does, but we do still get a sense of what MVDP can do on WVA his turf. (Notably the TDF time trial) I do think, that MVDP has seen WVA his Mont Ventoux raid and would want to do something similar if he gets the chance, he might also need to if he wants to challenge WVA for the green next year. (Imagine that:WVA and MVPD head to head for a win in the high mountains)

[@johnpontes812]

MVP still has to prove himself its not close at the moment....WVA is so far the better All.rounder

[@DavidSaundersPosts]

Good points but Wout is the better teammate for jumbo visma’s GC leaders, which is worth a lot.

[@erich8258]

I don't know who's better, but there's no question I'd rather be MVDP -- crazy skills and power on any bike you choose.

[@Pj676]

They’re both phenomenal. Maybe Wout has won/will win more on the road, but Mathieu’s wins are always more memorable. Every race is something special with Mathieu.

[@cilliankelly1]

I think I agree with this. Van der Poel's wins in Amstel Gold and Strade Bianche were so striking, I'll never forget them. I don't think Van Aert has had an equivalent... yet

[@demolmetdesnor]

Van Aert's last 3 tour stage wins were as memorable, if not more. I would even dare to say that in 2021, VDP didn't do that much memorable. Except for Strade Bianche and his start in the tour but in my opinion, those wins were definitely not more memorable than Wout's tour in 2021 and Strade in 2020

[@sport1349]

@@demolmetdesnor class MVDP- WvA 97-28 UCI

[@Getalifeticket]

Kelly is class, love his patter and detail. More of it please.

[@cilliankelly1]

Thanks a lot Stephen. Really glad you enjoyed it

[@cedrychvandergraaff173]

Mathieu is more explosive, wout is more raw power. I wouldn't say one is more talented than the other. They do make each other only better and better

[@asmodeos666]

Just for the sole fact WvA doesn't compete in one of the three disciplines MVDP competes in, Mvdp is already a better all around cyclist. Also, Mvdp is the best crosser of the two which is also hilarious as Wout is miles ahead of the rest of the competition too. Imagine cyclocross with one without the other for years. But if we check road alone I think Wout is better: - He's a slightly worse classics rider than mvdp although their palmares is really similar tbh. - He's a better TT-er (the only one Mvdp came close to WvA, Wout just came back of an operation and was totally out of shape while Mvdp was battling to save his yellow jersey). - He's miles ahead of Mvdp in the mountains. - He's one of the best sprinter in the world. - Overall he can compete on a bunch of terrains Mvdp couldn't even dream competing on (Olympics road race, for example). - He's a better domestique and yes, that counts. Also there is a stat that doesn't lie about WvA proficiency on the road: in 2021, out of 28 days of racing outside Tour de France, he finished only 5 times outside of top 10, worst result being 22. It's mental.

[@ivarbrouwer197]

MVDP could compete the OS course. proof: LBL two years back where he almost challenged for the win while winning the Binckback/Benelux tour the day before with a +30 km solo, MVDP also finished top ten in Lombardia. MVDP can climb the short climbs, and never really tried anything in the high mountains. So it’s premature to say MVP can’t do high mountains, and it’s opportunistic to say MVDP can’t do medium hills like on the last OS course.

[@asmodeos666]

@@ivarbrouwer197 LBL 2020 is not a proof of MVDP able to challenge for the win in the Olympics course. First, he said himself the parcours was too hard for him, so unless you know him better than himself, that's wrong. Second, the Olympics course wasn't a medium hills race. Mikuni pass in the last 30 kilometers of the race is way beyond anything you can face in LBL like La Redoute or Roche aux Faucons. The Olympics course also cumulated almost 5k of elevation which is 20% more than Liège. Wout van Aert finished second facing grand tour riders carrying their Tour de France shape. There is no way Mvdp could do that. And again, he said it himself. Also, the "Mvdp never tried in the high mountains" doesn't mean anything. It's not premature to say he can't do high mountains, it's premature to assume he could until proven otherwise.

[@StevenG122175]

@@asmodeos666 pretty sure if MVdP trained for mountains he would be just as good as Wout. Like the TT in the Tour this year MVdP has never trained for TT or done any Wind Tunnel testing like Wout has done much of and was quite good. Don't think we have actually seen him really try on a mountain stage to say WVA is way better in mountains.

[@gerbensmitsable]

@@StevenG122175 The question is who *is* better, not who *could be* better. Even WVA *could* be a better TT'er or climber if he focused more on those area's. Moreover, if MVDP would train for TT's and high mountains, he would lose his edge in other areas.

[@buzzman4860]

The comparison piece was really good

[@cilliankelly1]

Thanks a lot! Really glad you enjoyed it.

[@rh202]

Imagine living in an era with WVA, MVDP, Pidcock, Pog and Rogelic. We are truly blessed.

[@sharokinisayo7389]

Pidcock while talented does not belong with this group.

[@junkyard3924]

@@sharokinisayo7389 Chris Froome

[@Kazzimirski]

"It seems that Van Aert has achieved a lot of his success because of the absence of Van der Poel" 𝗪𝗵𝗼𝗮, 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁'𝘀 𝗮 𝗵𝗼𝘁 𝘁𝗮𝗸𝗲! I think this is very biased by CX (where also WVA had some bad circumstances last two years, as an other poster mentioned) and by the fact that VDP is more likely to not participate in the road races where WVA is better. For example the TT worlds or the TdF this year. It's highly unlikely that VDP would have beaten WVA in the worlds TT, if he had participated or that he would have won the Ventoux stage or at Champs Élysées. This CX season is another example (sure VDP has problems, but still...). So it is unfair to count only head-to-head wins. Also, at the beginning of the TdF, WVA was still coming back from an appendectomy operation only 1.5 months before. WVA and VDP also have somewhat different skill sets: - VDP is more technical and better at intervals or short bursts of high power output and recuperating fast. - WVA is better at putting out high power sustained over longer times, which you see in the TT. WVA is also better at pure sprinting and at longer climbs (which may be related to the sustained power output, though). VDP's strengths are better for fast and technical CX races which require a lot of intervals and short bursts. Certainly the technique being beneficial, we saw in many CX races last years where WVA would reduce the gap by some seconds, only for VDP to take those seconds back again in the technical sections. However, in the more muddy and slower CX races, the efforts are more even and sustained and become more TT-like. There often WVA is dominating. The fast and technical type of races are more common than the slow and muddy ones in the CX season (although it usually depends on the weather). Therefore, you could make the argument that VDP is the better intrinsic CX rider, although it is fairly close. On the road it is very different, however, since which skills are better really depends on the race course and the race situation. I doubt WVA would be able to beat VDP at XCO mountainbike races, since there the technicality and interval efforts are even more important than in CX. However, if they would race marathon MTB (XCM), WVA may well get the overhand.

[@DeJongeVoetballerPodcast]

In most rivalries, there is always one athlete i don't like, like messi vs ronaldo (don't like ronaldo), Hamilton vs Verstappen (don't like Hamilton), but this rivalry is by far the best! I like both athletes en love to see them both winning!

[@MattGrovesFTW]

Spot on prediction of Sundays CX World Cup race.

[@michielreynvoet2355]

Now wva is a lot better than mathieu. He has won 5 in 5 cx now. And mathieu with his back is questionable

[@1bht]

I think you forgot Van Aert's silver medal on the Olympics :)

[@_PATRlCK]

Shit i cant decide since years between these two extreme talents… 😍 I Love both

[@basbastiaans5396]

Putting this comparison into perspective again would be interesting…

[@tymanski1]

if you can say 'swimming POOL' you can finally say mathieu's name correctly. i know you can, Cillian! :) 2022 will be woutjes' but this is currently the best personal rivalry in sport. hny to you too, Dan, thanks for all the great work!

[@cilliankelly1]

I mixed and matched between Wooot and Wowwt

[@tymanski1]

playin the averages :D wowt is indeed most appropriate ;)

[@jancrommenacker9556]

@@cilliankelly1 Wowwt's the winner of that comaprison 🙂

[@GeorgeSofroniouCy]

Whlist I don't disagree with these stats, I do believe Wout is better on road, by quite some distance, whereas Mathieu is better in cross, by some distance. Simple as.

[@cilliankelly1]

Stats are stats. Can’t disagree with them 😉

[@janwantula1773]

pretty interestng video, but I think one pont that is forgotten in it, is that in his much more race days on the road, van aert has worked as a helper for primoz roglic, giving up much ocasions to win, wheather mvdp never has to work for anybody, but always has 8 guys working for him, which we are nt seeing this often for van aert

[@marcuswong1797]

Van Aert has a real Pro cycling team while MVPd is all on his own. Can't compare tour wins.

[@seanhannagans]

I know the answer to who is the best: It's "yes"

[@fromzerotonothing301]

Two Fantastic Rider, that's it

[@lyf45mo]

Take note,Wout don't crash near as much as VdP

[@shendyhendrawan9254]

tdf 2022 just shown us who’s the winner

[@margusmikson794]

MVDP is better on MTB, WVA is better on TT and high mountains. Otherwise they are so close, so its matter of taste. I am glad I dont have to choose between them. I like both.

[@maddydaddy3523]

WOUT VAN ART IS BAD BECAUSE HE BULLY THE REMCO MAN :(

[@SergioCristancho]

Who is the best... a lot is yet in the story to say who gets the best head to head... as for 2021 WVA no doubt no hesitation, he brings a new definition of allrounder Am like the bigger MVDP in my heart of hearts, and yet I have to give it to WVA in 2021. but lets see what the future has to tell on this story.

[@JC-lu4se]

MVDP seems to spread himself a little thin by doing too much in different disciplines. I think if he just focussed on the road he'd win a lot more but he seems to find road racing a bit boring.

[@mornenaude2885]

MVDP is the GCN poster boy.

[@notreally2406]

Wout Van Aert: "Look at me...I'm Mathieu van der Poel now"

[@kesakko90]

Van Aert is better at climbing high mountains, time trials and pure sprinting. Van der Poel is better in the hills, cobbles, cross and MTB. I think Van der Poel will end with a better palmares because I bet he will probably have more Monument wins.

[@roadracer1584]

I think they are both talented cyclists and closely matched in abilities. I'd maybe give an edge to WVA in long flat TT's and give MVP the edge in the high mountains.

[@mathguy1015]

MvdP in the high mountains???? Uh, no.

[@clawdawg7248]

What?

[@samj1185]

rest up and get well MVDP! WVA needs some good competition!

[@moegigo]

Van Aert is calculating the races better, VDP is more unpredictable. As a fan I choose VDP, as a manager I would probably choose WVA

[@chbrosz]

WvA, and when thinking of why I naturally root for him more, I think it's because he so often sacrifices himself for his teammates in grand tours, whereas I've only seen MVDP ride for himself (I'm sure there are exceptions, but none that I've seen). He's also so versatile (sprinting, classics, TT, climbing)

[@skilkil043]

Just not true… MVDP even rode for Merlier and Philipsen while being in the yellow jersey (stage 3 TDF)

[@kamillefever1778]

And MVDP rode for Merlier in a race even while his steer was broken

[@sarthakkukreti2444]

The question was 'NOT WHO YOU ROOT FOR' ( which is quiet obvious by your comment).... MVDP is the better rider when they are head to head period. Also, when has Wout sacrificed himself when it comes to anything but the TdF ?

[@chbrosz]

All good points guys 😃

[@kamillefever1778]

@@chbrosz haha

[@marioiglesias2635]

They are both Incredible but think they will find tough competition from Pogacar next season even in the flatter classics they all compete in, tour of Flanders to add to his monument collection possibly

[@cilliankelly1]

Pogacar in Flanders will be fascinating. I can’t wait.

[@justaguyonabike2055]

Today Wva showed his dominance again, destroying Mvdp for the second time in one week in the field.

[@rogierb7577]

Sadly Mathieu is injured right now.

[@zpikez324]

So this aged well

[@Stephen-nq5kd]

Which ever of these two riders decides to put road racing above all else.., they'll be the one to have the most road success.

[@cilliankelly1]

So great for us that neither of them have done that though isn’t it?

[@Stephen-nq5kd]

Agreed!! I should have added, I hope it doesn’t happen. I’ve recently become a fan of cyclocross….

[@clawdawg7248]

Their excellence on the road is the result of their “off season” CX.

[@brechtdemol7906]

Comparing that tour the france time trial is not really fair as wout van aert was just hanging on coming back from an operation to have a good last (1/2) week(s), which he did

[@anthonyharris483]

Van Aert is an overall better cyclist

[@WerdnaLiten]

Comparing different type of riders, despite their similarities. Wout is probably a better 'all round' road rider, with more strings to his bow. However, Mathieu is the better all round complete cyclist; only current male rider to have won a World Tour Road Race, Elite CX World Cup, and Elite XCO/XCC MTB World Cups.....

[@jelleducheyne]

Pidcock did it also.

[@coltonbryant5962]

I think MVDP is a bit better at the classics and at cyclocross (although not this year), but Van Aert is better all-round, and he's definitely proven himself to be one of the greatest all-rounders of all time with those three TDF stage wins this year and in the Tour of Britain.

[@SupercarAlex150]

It’s hard because they are both so talented, but from Overall I would say Van dear Poel (barely) because he is good a mountain biking and trail. From a road standpoint I would say Van Ert

[@pangolinusscolopendralum6822]

0:35 Did you also get into the darck fashion to paint your nail black?

[@gabrielcaridade6095]

Hey, GCN friends..... seems like you REALLY jinxed MVdP today ...... oh boy. Maybe not the best idea to release these comparative type of videos before race days :)

[@cilliankelly1]

Well, Lloydy predicted Van Aert for the win at Dendermonde and actually hit it right for once!! So didn’t jinx him at all!

[@henriks5008]

MvDP for the win!

[@soulbyengelbrecht6858]

It’s “Vote fun Art”. You’re welcome!

[@cilliankelly1]

I went for a confusing mixture of Wooot and Wowwt throughout.

[@angelsaulovelazquez3232]

If they both truly chase (and are allowed to) the green jersey for the whole tour, that will truly must see Tour

[@josorzo11]

WVA is far more complete rider all around

[@dirk2518]

WVA is mentally stronger

[@cypriano8763]

Mvdp hasent had time to show how versatile he can be in grand tours.its will be decided on monument wins, grand tour wins and green jerseys.

[@dzejty]

Only three world championship titles and 60ish victories?! What a looser :D Anyway, I personally enjoy the two racing and also people arguing who is better. Both are a lot of fun.

[@cb6866]

Thanks Dan....Peace

[@miyui9269]

i dont know how much you road cyclists watch xc mtb worldcup, but you cant deny MVDP's dominance in there and how much fun his attacks are to watch. it is as if you dont want to watch xc race anymore if MVDP is not there. as a fan of riding bikes(i.e. not specific to mtb, road, bmx, fixie, dj etc) what MVDP achieve on and off road is phenomenal (he not just achieve but excel and put on some show). wout van aert would be another legend in cycling as van der poel is. i just hope tom pidcock could improve more and challenge van der poel in xc cx and road as the two is more similar in their discipline and become a rival someday.

[@clawdawg7248]

Have you seen the last two CX races….? Wout - man amongst boys.

[@JJ-fb3gg]

WVA ❤️🖤💛

[@tonybaihao4178]

8:50 Why wouldn't anyone else, namely other sprinters, have a chance of challenging them, especially for Sagan ? Terminator could always return to his best and reconquer his Tour de France skin. Any sprinter who wins 3-4 stages also has a chance for green. I'm not sure we could expect the Vans to get points in many mountain stages, with the climbers and GC leaders targeting the stage wins. Van Aert is a clear contender for the jersey, but I would doubt it for Van der Poel, who will likely be working for Jasper Philipsen or Tim Merlier. Let's not forget Van der Poel isn't a climber, at least not yet. Van Aert also has to sort out his green jersey goals with his team. Let's wait and see, as I am still skeptical.

[@cilliankelly1]

Ah I was being flippant for the sake of a good line at the end of the segment. Of course the guys you mention are in with a chance. But I do believe if the two Vans really go for green, the pure sprinters will find it very very difficult to compete. The Vans can score in bunch sprints and on most other stages, whereas the pure sprinters will be limited. Although having said that, Thor Hushovd used to get quite creative in how he would score points.

[@tonybaihao4178]

@@cilliankelly1 Thank you for these details. I see your point for pure sprinters. We'll see how they'll do during the Tour as well as what they announce for the Tour during the season. What I am sure of, is that both will have to come to an understanding with their teams. Provided Jasper Philipsen and Tim Merlier are selected for the Tour, Van der Poel will have to see if he'll be allowed to compete in bunch sprints. For Van Aert, he'll have to see if his green goals are compatible with Roglic and possibly Vingegaard targeting yellow.

[@saksham5829]

I am on Van Aert's side cause his upbringing was very different to Matheiu's. When Matheiu had new shiny bikes Van aert was riding on his old bike. While Mvdp had a new kit and full support from his family. Van Aert was not very much supported by his family.

[@bangersinlondon2231]

It's genuinely mouth-watering...hahahahahaaaa

[@StevenG122175]

I think they both 2 of the most exciting and talented racers I've witnessed in 25 years following cycling. Think if both are 100% healthy and on form MVdP will win 75% of the time imo. WVA a bit more conservative and beside the freak injury in TDF TT less prone to injuries. MVdP just has that little extra, like in CX when he hops the barriers so much faster than WVA. Worry that MvDP frequent injury issues will stifle his future results.

[@cilliankelly1]

Injured again now. Maybe he spreads himself to thin and it’s finally all catching up with him?

[@McBeatha]

My humble opinion is van Aert will continue to improve and will surprise us all whereas van der Poel is near or at his peak already. I see very little reason van Aert couldn't evolve into a serious GC contender in grand tours.

[@eelcovromen9755]

As mentioned in the video, WVA somehow struggles a lot in road races where MvdP is also present taking most of his epic wins to date when MvdP is not competing or not a factor at all in the race. WVA is definitely the more consistent rider of the two, whereas MvdP's form fluctuates a lot more during the season. I'd say peak MVDP trumps peak WVA (or anyone else for that matter) in one-day races and punchy stages though.