17-year-old Belgian Quinten Muys (CRABBE-DSTNY) had the ride of his life last week when he was able follow Tadej Pogacar (UAE) as the reigning world champion set a new KOM record.

The amateur junior racer was training in Spain on the Coll de Rates with friends when Pogacar flew past in his rainbow jersey en route to setting a new record on the 6.5km climb.

Muys told Sporza of the unlikely encounter:

“In the first corner we saw someone from UAE standing with a stopwatch. Then we knew something special was going to happen. 2.5 kilometers from the summit, we suddenly heard a car honking, which warned us to go to the side. Then Pogacar flew past us.”

“We jumped after him and I could even take out my phone to film. Afterwards I was able to stay on the wheel of Pogacar for another 2 kilometers. I pushed about 480 to 490 watts. In the last corner I had to unload when he jumped on the steep stretch.”

By the summit Tadej Pogacar had smashed the popular Coll de rates Strava KOM, setting a new best time of 12:21, while Muys’ impressive performance earned praise and a pat on the back from UAE team directors.

Coming off a recent illness Muys was surprised he held on to the world champion’s rear wheel for so long, and wondered what might have been if he was healthy.

“I do like racing uphill, but I was only cycling again for a week after illness. Without that break, I might have been able to follow him.”

Photo Credit: Instagram/muys_quinten

© 2019-2025 All Rights Reserved Gran Fondo Daily