Here’s a bold statement: the cobbled classics are no longer a game of strategy—they’ve become a raw display of power, and it’s leaving everyone else in the dust. But here’s where it gets controversial: Tiesj Benoot is calling out his fellow riders, urging them to stop playing into the hands of Mathieu van der Poel and Tadej Pogacar, the undisputed kings of the spring classics. If the peloton doesn’t change its approach, Benoot argues, they’re essentially racing for second place before the finish line even comes into view.
Let’s break this down. Van der Poel and Pogacar have dominated the classics so completely that their victories feel almost inevitable. Their sheer strength and skill have transformed races like the Tour of Flanders and Liège-Bastogne-Liège into showcases of their dominance rather than battles of tactics. Benoot, a rider with seven Top 10 finishes in monuments—though no podium spots—knows firsthand how daunting this duo has made the competition. In a recent interview with In de Leiderstrui, he admitted that while he still has ambitions, winning a monument feels more like a distant possibility than a realistic goal. “Everything has to come together to win,” he said, highlighting the near-impossible odds riders face against these two.
And this is the part most people miss: Benoot isn’t just lamenting the situation—he’s proposing a solution. He believes riders need to stop collaborating with Van der Poel and Pogacar during critical race moments. By leading the peloton or setting the pace, they’re essentially doing the heavy lifting for the duo, making it easier for them to launch decisive attacks. “We all need to stop leading the race when they’re there,” Benoot said. “In my opinion, that’s racing for second place.” It’s a provocative stance, but one that raises a crucial question: Are riders inadvertently handing over their chances by playing into the favorites’ hands?
Consider this: In 2025, Van der Poel and Pogacar won every monument, with only Milano-Sanremo seeing a winner not cross the line solo. Even then, UAE Team Emirates’ dominance on the Cipressa has turned Sanremo into a race for puncheurs and climbers alike. Looking ahead to 2026, few expect anyone else to break through. But Benoot sees a glimmer of hope in collective action. If riders collectively refuse to chase down attacks from the duo, it could open up tactical opportunities for podium positions—something Benoot knows well from recent editions of Liège-Bastogne-Liège, where the race behind Pogacar became a strategic battle for second and third.
Here’s the controversial question: Is Benoot’s call for unity a realistic strategy, or is it wishful thinking in the face of overwhelming dominance? Some might argue that expecting the peloton to coordinate against two riders is impractical, especially when teams like UAE are so strong. Others might see it as the only way to level the playing field. What do you think? Is Benoot onto something, or is the era of Van der Poel and Pogacar simply unchallengeable? Let’s hear your thoughts in the comments—this debate is far from over.
