Gianni Vermeersch names the key trait Mathieu van der Poel and Remco Evenepoel share

Although the two champions have very different personalities and racing styles, Vermeersch believes they are driven by the same defining characteristic: an almost relentless desire to win.

“They are both winners,” Vermeersch told Wieler Revue. “You need that mentality if you want to become the best in your sport. Otherwise, you will never reach that level.”

Vermeersch raced alongside Van der Poel from 2020 until the end of 2025, often playing an important supporting role during the spring Classics. He moved to Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe over the winter, the same team Evenepoel joined after leaving Soudal Quick-Step.

That has given the Belgian a rare insight into how two of the sport’s leading riders operate behind the scenes.

According to Vermeersch, their competitive instincts extend far beyond professional cycling. Whether it is training, another sport or a simple game between teammates, losing is rarely accepted easily.

“Even with the most ridiculous games, they want to win,” he said. “Mathieu especially. He was genuinely the best at almost everything.”

Van der Poel’s talent outside cycling is well documented. Before fully committing to the bike, he also showed promise as a footballer. He has since become a keen golfer and is known among teammates for turning almost any activity into a competition.

Vermeersch struggled to recall many occasions on which he managed to get the better of his former leader.

“I might have beaten him in one game of pool,” he said. “But that would have been one game in a longer series. If there was any kind of competition involved, he usually won.”

Vermeersch is currently producing a steady ride at the Tour Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, formerly know as the Critérium du Dauphiné, as he pushes for a place in Red Bull-Bora-Hansgrohe’s Tour de France line up around Evenepoel and Florian Lipowitz.