Marc Madiot praises Tadej Pogacar but picks Wout van Aert as his 'chouchou'

Madiot has a reputation for speaking plainly. Whether it's an artificial mountain in the UAE, the trend of French riders leaving for foreign teams or his wish to get rid of radio earpieces in the peloton, his opinions rarely lack edge, which makes his warm words for Pogačar stand out even more.

“I am impressed by the mental strength Tadej has,” Madiot said at the Vélo d’Or gala. “When he sets his sights on a race, he never misses it.” What he values most is that Pogačar keeps showing up for the sport’s biggest days. 

“What I like about him is that he has a sense of history. He knows his sport and when a rider of that level and that status respects and commits to the major events of his sport, you have to take your hat off, encourage him, support him.”

That is why the debate about Pogačar riding Paris Roubaix irritates him. “From time to time, in the press, people say: ‘If he rides Paris Roubaix, he will take risks for the Tour.’ No, no,” Madiot insisted. “In his story, winning Roubaix will be just as important as winning the Tour, because he is steeped in what cycling is. And for that, we have to encourage him in that direction.” 

For Madiot, Pogacar is not just another champion. “He is a beautiful symbol,” he said.

Still, he refuses to pretend he is a blind fan. “At first glance, I am not an absolute fan of Tadej Pogačar,” Madiot admitted. 

Asked who really has his heart, the answer came quickly. “My chouchou is Wout, Wout van Aert. For me, he is the ultimate rider.”