Mathieu van der Poel: sports career, personal interests, family, awards and honors
Sports career
His entry into the world of cycling came in an extraordinary way, with Mathieu van der Poel starting to compete from a young age in cyclocross, where he quickly proved his talent. In 2012, at just 17 years old, he won the junior world title, marking the’beginning of a brilliant career. In 2014, he made his pro debut with the BKCP-Powerplus team, while a year later he won his first Elite cyclocross world title. Effectively, his versatility also emerged on the road, where he achieved his first major success by winning the Amstel Gold Race in 2019. The real consecration came in 2020, when he triumphed at the Tour of Flanders, beating his rival Wout van Aert in a thrilling final sprint. In 2021, he made his Tour de France debut, winning a stage and wearing the yellow jersey for six days. Finally, in 2023, he continued to write his own success story, winning the world road championship and winning Milan-San Remo and Paris-Roubaix, cementing his reputation as one of the most accomplished cyclists of his generation.
Personal interests
Away from the public eye, Mathieu van der Poel reveals himself to be a fascinating and multifaceted person with interests beyond cycling. Although his life is dominated by racing and competition, the Flying Dutchman finds time to cultivate personal passions. On the one hand, he is a big fan of golf, a sport he plays regularly to relax and sharpen his concentration. This sport, with its need for precision and strategy, fits well with the mindset of a top cyclist like him. On the other hand, Mathieu is known for his love of cars and mechanics, an interest he inherited from his family. Growing up in an environment where cycling was a tradition, he always wanted to explore other areas as well. Moreover, his personality is characterized by an innate competitiveness, which manifests itself not only in races but also in daily challenges with friends and family. His private life is thus a balance between his dedication to cycling and his desire to experience different things, making him a fascinating and complex character. Mathieu van der Poel‘s private life is a reflection of his versatility and ability to excel in multiple disciplines, making him a unique athlete.
Family
Family support has been crucial in Mathieu van der Poel’s life and career. Growing up in an environment rich in cycling tradition, the young cyclist was able to rely on the experience and passion of his father Adrie, a former pro, and his grandfather Raymond Poulidor, a legendary French rider. This family legacy provided Mathieu with not only a role model but also an incentive to exceed expectations. At any rate, the quality of his natural talent was matched by a solid sports education, which encouraged competitiveness and a desire to excel. In addition to this, his brother David was a source of stimulation and rivalry, contributing to an environment of continuous growth. Their interaction, characterized by challenges and competition, forged Mathieu’s character, making him not only a successful athlete, but also an example of how family support can positively influence an athlete’s career. In this context, Mathieu van der Poel‘s family turns out to be a key pillar in his life.
Awards and recognition for sports merit
The acknowledged merit of Mathieu van der Poel is evident through his impressive collection of awards and recognition. This multi-talented cyclist won seven world cyclocross titles between 2015 and 2025, demonstrating his superiority in this discipline. He also achieved numerous road successes, including two editions of Milan-San Remo and three of the Tour of Flanders, solidifying his reputation as one of the best cyclists of his time. In 2023, he won the world road championship, a goal he had hoped to achieve since his youth. The accolades are not limited to titles: throughout his career, van der Poel was voted Cyclist of the Year on several occasions and received the prestigious Eddy Merckx Trophy in 2023. His versatility has also been rewarded with medals in mountain biking and gravel, including winning the world gravel championships in 2024. With a number of trophies and awards, Mathieu van der Poel has made his way into the hearts of fans and the international cycling scene, becoming a symbol of excellence and determination in modern cycling.
