With the 2025 Spring Classics just around the corner, cycling veteran and multiple-time Monument winner Niki Terpstra has shared his thoughts on the top contenders for the prestigious races.
Terpstra sees two riders standing out from the rest. “I really believe it will come down to Mathieu van der Poel and Tadej Pogacar,” he told ‘NOS’.”Of course, there are other riders capable of challenging them, especially Wout van Aert. Beyond those three, I expect strong performances from Arnaud De Lie and Jasper Philipsen. After that, there’s a group of about ten more riders, but Van der Poel and Pogacar are truly on another level.”
Having won both the Tour of Flanders and Paris-Roubaix, Terpstra knows what it takes to win in cycling’s toughest one-day races. However, he anticipates a shift in race dynamics this year. “I expect fewer solo victories but more early attacks,” he explained. “Still, in the end, the two strongest riders will likely break away together and dominate the race.”
Terpstra also highlighted what makes the last two world champions unique. “Pogacar is a real gift to the sport. He doesn’t always stick to tactical plans; he races based on instinct, which makes him incredible to watch. His attack 90 kilometers from the finish at the World Championships in Zurich was just unreal.”
As for Van der Poel, Terpstra is in awe of his achievements. “Winning the Tour of Flanders three times at his age is incredible. It’s one of the hardest races in cycling, and the fact that no one has ever won it four times says everything.”
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