The video features Van Aert, Vingegaard, Matteo Jorgenson, Cian Uijtdebroeks, Simon Yates, Victor Campenaerts, Tiesj Benoot, and women’s lead rider Pauline Ferrand-Prévot. Some of the riders’ answers were surprising, but others were obvious. Some gave logical explanations, while others kept it short and sweet with a smile.
Ferrand-Prévot, the winner of Paris-Roubaix, has no idea who her favorite road opponent is yet, but she will find out this year. This is, of course, due to her switch from mountain biking to road cycling last winter. The Olympic mountain biking champion does, however, know who her favorite opponent in that discipline was: “Puck Pieterse.”
The men all gave different answers. Two-time Tour winner Vingegaard says he prefers to compet against his biggest rival, Tadej Pogacar. Fortunately for the Dane, he won’t have to wait too long, as they will face each other again on June 8 in the first stage of the Critérium du Dauphiné.
While preparing for his first Giro d’Italia, Van Aert says he prefers to race against his eternal rival Mathieu van der Poel. “He really pushes me to the limit,” said the Belgian. This is not a surprising response, considering that van der Poel and van Aert have known each other since childhood, both on the cyclo-cross bike and the road. This spring, the Dutchman was much stronger, winning Milan-Sanremo and Paris-Roubaix. Van Aert failed to win a single classic.
Simon Yates was also asked the question and came up with a very logical answer. “Against my brother,” said the 32-year-old rider, referring to Adam Yates of UAE Team Emirates-XRG. When asked who is better, Simon confidently answers with a big smile. “Me, of course, that’s not even a question.”
Belgian riders Benoot and Campenaerts are both in a joking mood in the video. Jorgenson chooses Primoz Roglic (Red Bull-BORA-hansgrohe), while Uijtdebroeks chooses Juan Ayuso (UAE Team Emirates-XRG). Be sure to check out the video below
