Bold statement: Mads Pedersen is far more hands-on and deeply integrated with his team than Mathieu van der Poel, and that difference shapes how their teams perform. But here’s where it gets controversial... the contrast between these two cycling stars reveals two distinct leadership styles that fans often overlook.
Soren Kragh Andersen has had the privilege of riding alongside a cycling icon twice in his career. He first shared a roster with Mathieu van der Poel at Alpecin-Deceuninck during 2023 and 2024, and then joined Lidl-Trek in 2025 to ride with Mads Pedersen. In this context, Andersen’s perspective provides a rare, insider view of how two superstar riders operate within the same sport and within the same team culture.
From Andersen’s vantage point, Pedersen stands out as a highly engaged teammate. He describes Pedersen as someone who invites the entire group into his planning and training philosophy, actively involving others in the project. In contrast, Andersen notes that van der Poel tends to be more self-sufficient; he relied on his own setup and was more present for race days than for broader team collaboration. This isn’t a critique of van der Poel, but a clear difference in approach—Pedersen thrives on sustained, all-year involvement, while van der Poel often carves out his focus around key moments.
Van der Poel has long built a reputation as a rider who excels in specific, high-impact moments rather than a year-round, all-encompassing schedule. His major targets are evident, but his calendar isn’t packed with constant, team-wide participation. Pedersen, by contrast, appears to commit to the full cycle: attending all training camps, participating in extensive race calendars, and maintaining an ongoing dialogue with teammates and staff. In 2025, Pedersen logged 74 race days, almost double van der Poel’s 41.
Friendship and team culture also emerge as differentiators. Andersen emphasizes that Pedersen is not only a teammate but a friend, someone who has known many of the riders since childhood and who cultivates a tight-knit atmosphere at Lidl-Trek. This camaraderie, he suggests, translates into a stronger collective bond and shared ambition within the squad.
However, it’s important to reiterate that Andersen’s comments are not a disparagement of van der Poel. The Dutch rider simply follows a different racing philosophy—one that prioritizes peak moments and individual focus over a broad, all-year engagement with the team. Pedersen’s approach demonstrates how a more inclusive and collaborative style can drive a team’s cohesion and perhaps its endurance across a demanding season.
So, what does this tell us about leadership in cycling today? It suggests there isn’t a single correct model. Some superstars may inspire through singular, spectacular performances, while others demonstrate the power of constant involvement and collective planning. Both paths require exceptional talent, discipline, and the ability to align with a team’s goals. Do you think one style consistently yields better results, or does the context of the race, the team, and the rider’s personality determine the best approach? Share your thoughts on which leadership approach you believe maximizes a team’s success across a three-week Grand Tour and why.
