Mathieu van der Poel vs Wout van Aert: who is the best according tof acts and stats?
Thursday 30 January 2025 • Blog
Cycling has seen many great champions, but rarely does a rivalry emerge that will be remembered for generations. Mathieu van der Poel and Wout van Aert represent such a duel, one that transcends mere victories or defeats. They push each other to new heights, sharpen each other's skills, and elevate both cyclocross and road cycling to levels rarely witnessed.
What started as a youth competition in the mud has grown into an iconic clash of titans. But who is the better cyclocross rider? What do the statistics say? And what makes their battles so legendary? Let’s take a closer look at their rivalry, complete with data, anecdotes, and unexpected twists.
Emergence of two phenomens (2009 - 2015)
The first clashes between Van der Poel and Van Aert occurred in youth races, where they were quickly labeled as rivals. In these early years, the Dutchman proved to be the stronger rider. In 67% of their 51 youth races, Van der Poel finished ahead of Van Aert.
Van der Poel displayed a killer instinct at a young age. During the 2012-2013 season, he won every single race races at Men Juniors—30 cyclocross events—including the European, Dutch, and World titles. Meanwhile, Van Aert demonstrated his trademark patience and steady growth. He placed third at the World Championships Under 23 that year, signaling his readiness to wait for his moment.
That moment arrived in 2014 when Van Aert claimed the U23 World Championship, while Van der Poel faltered at a crucial moment and finished third. For the first time in their rivalry, Van Aert held an advantage.
Van Aert dominates (2015 - 2018)
When both riders entered the elite ranks, Van Aert initially seemed to take control. While not the flashiest or most explosive rider, he was remarkably consistent. During the 2015-2016 season, he achieved 20 consecutive podium finishes, claimed the Belgian national title, and became World Champion.
In 2017 and 2018, Van Aert remained dominant in cyclocross, securing three consecutive World Championships. In contrast, Van der Poel fell short during decisive moments. The 2017 World Championships in Bieles epitomized this: Van der Poel was in the race but suffered four flat tires during the race. In Valkenburg, Van der Poel was the favourite, but Wout was simply better, he cruised to his third rainbow jersey. At that time, Van Aert was undoubtedly the best cyclocross rider in the world.
The turning point: Van der Poel’s era (2018 - 2020)
Sometimes a rider delivers a season of utter dominance, and for Van der Poel, that was 2018-2019. He won 32 out of 34 races and defeated Van Aert in 20 of their 22 head-to-head encounters. At the 2019 World Championships in Bogense, it was a mere formality—Van der Poel broke away and never looked back, finally claiming his second elite world title after years of frustration.
The following season (2019-2020) continued in similar fashion: 24 wins out of 26 races, including another World Championship title in Dübendorf. Meanwhile, Van Aert shifted focus toward road racing and missed much of the cyclocross season due to a severe crash during the Tour de France. The balance of power had clearly shifted.
Van Aert’s comeback (2021 - 2022)
True to his resilient nature, Van Aert made a strong return during the 2020-2021 season with five wins out of 14 races, including another Belgian national title. The World Championships in Oostende that year were fiercely contested. Though Van Aert appeared stronger, a flat tire at a critical moment allowed Van der Poel to claim his fourth world title.
In the following season (2021-2022), Van Aert struck back decisively by winning nine out of ten races he entered, including another Belgian title. Suddenly, their rivalry was reignited.
Hoogerheide 2023: pinnacle of their rivalry
The rivalry reached its zenith at the 2023 World Championships in Hoogerheide. That season, Van Aert had been stronger overall and had won more head-to-head duels. However, the championship took place on Dutch soil—Van der Poel’s home turf—and tensions were high.
The two rode as shadows of each other throughout the race until it came down to a dramatic sprint finish. Van der Poel launched first; Van Aert came alongside but couldn’t overtake him. On home ground, Van der Poel secured victory—a new high point in their legendary rivalry.
In the following season (2023-2024), despite racing fewer events (14), Van der Poel won 13 of them, including another World Championship title in Tábor.
The Clash: Cyclocross (CX) races with MVDP+WVA | |||
Number of races | |||
Youth | Elite | Total | |
Total clashes | 51 | 147 | 198 |
Better result for Van der Poel | 34 | 102 | 136 |
Better result for Van Aert | 17 | 45 | 62 |
Victory for Van der Poel | 28 | 97 | 125 |
Victory for Van Aert | 12 | 39 | 51 |
Victory for Van der Poel or Van Aert | 40 | 136 | 176 |
Victory for other | 11 | 11 | 22 |
Top-3 for Van der Poel | 46 | 127 | 173 |
Top-3 for Van Aert | 34 | 124 | 158 |
Top-3 for Van der Poel and Van Aert | 29 | 105 | 134 |
Top-3 for Van der Poel or Van Aert | 51 | 146 | 197 |
No top-3 for Van der Poel nor Van Aert | 0 | 1 | 1 |
Van der Poel 1st, Van Aert 2nd | 9 | 67 | 76 |
Van Aert 1st, Van der Poel 2nd | 6 | 19 | 25 |
1+2 for Van der Poel and Van Aert | 15 | 86 | 101 |
Conclusion: two legends, one rivalry
Some rivalries become legendary due to their intensity, history, and unpredictability. That is exactly what makes Van der Poel vs. Van Aert so special.
Van der Poel is the ultimate winner, claiming victories with explosive moves and brilliant attacks. Van Aert is the ultimate fighter, always lurking with his unbreakable determination and consistency.
Who will ultimately be the greatest? Only time will tell, but their rivalry has already secured its place in cycling history.Dat ligt nog open. Maar één ding weten we zeker: dit verhaal is nog lang niet voorbij. 🚴🔥
Thanks to Jonas Creteur (Knack.be) en Han ter Keurs