Mathieu van der Poel, one of the most versatile and talented cyclists in the world, has built a remarkable career through his unique ability to succeed in multiple cycling disciplines. As a professional, he has earned recognition not just in road cycling, but also in cyclo-cross and mountain biking. His versatility sets him apart, and his capacity to transition between different forms of cycling while maintaining a high level of performance is a rare achievement in the sport.
Van der Poel, a Dutch cyclist born into a family of cycling champions, is the son of Adri van der Poel, a former cyclo-cross world champion and a Classics specialist, and the grandson of French cyclist Raymond Poulidor, a Tour de France legend. His cycling lineage has contributed to his innate talent and deep understanding of the sport. From an early age, Mathieu was groomed to succeed, showing promise in both cyclo-cross and road racing.
His cyclo-cross career is especially notable, with van der Poel winning multiple world championships and dominating the discipline for several years. Cyclo-cross is a demanding, fast-paced version of cycling where riders navigate rough terrain, mud, and obstacles, which calls for both technical skill and endurance. Van der Poel’s extraordinary bike handling abilities, along with his explosive power and stamina, have helped him excel in this arena, where he has become one of the sport’s all-time greats.
However, van der Poel’s talent is not limited to cyclo-cross. He has also made a significant impact in road cycling, particularly in the one-day Classics races, which suit his aggressive and all-out style of riding. He has won some of the most prestigious Classics, including the Tour of Flanders and Strade Bianche. His triumphs in road cycling showcase his ability to compete against the world’s best on a larger stage. In addition to his victories in the Classics, he has also shown promise in Grand Tours, although his focus on shorter, more explosive races has defined his career to date.
Van der Poel’s peers in cycling also include some of the greatest talents of this generation, such as Wout van Aert, a Belgian cyclist with whom van der Poel has a long-standing rivalry, especially in cyclo-cross. Both athletes have pushed each other to new heights and have contributed to the excitement and popularity of the sport. Another contemporary is Julian Alaphilippe, a French cyclist known for his aggressive racing style and ability to thrive in one-day races and tough stages. Together, van der Poel and his peers represent a golden era of cycling, where the boundaries between disciplines are blurred, and top athletes showcase their versatility across various forms of racing.
Van der Poel’s commitment to excelling in multiple areas has redefined modern cycling, influencing future generations to embrace a more well-rounded approach to the sport.