Mathieu van der Poel, while known for his remarkable achievements in cycling, has also experienced several difficult and heartbreaking moments throughout his career. These setbacks have tested his mental and physical endurance, but have also highlighted his resilience and determination to bounce back stronger.
One of the most notable sad moments came during the 2021 Tokyo Olympics. Van der Poel entered the mountain biking event as one of the top contenders, expected to challenge for the gold medal. However, his race took a devastating turn when he crashed early in the competition. He had misjudged a technical section of the course, leading to a fall that dashed his hopes of winning an Olympic medal. This incident was particularly painful for van der Poel, as he had devoted significant time and effort to prepare for the Olympics, even prioritizing it over other races in his cycling season. The crash not only caused physical pain, but the emotional toll of missing out on a lifelong dream of Olympic glory was even more profound.
Another difficult moment occurred during the 2023 World Championships in Glasgow. Despite being one of the favorites in the elite men’s road race, van der Poel experienced a significant crash in the final kilometers. Leading the race at the time, he lost control on a slippery corner and hit the ground hard. Though visibly shaken and battered, van der Poel displayed incredible grit by getting back on his bike to finish the race. His perseverance paid off as he went on to win the world title, but the incident left him bruised, physically and emotionally, underscoring the unpredictability and challenges of elite racing.
In addition to these high-profile crashes, van der Poel has faced challenges with injuries that have sidelined him at critical moments in his career. Recurrent back problems, exacerbated by the demands of his intense racing schedule, have been a source of frustration. At times, these issues forced him to withdraw from major events or prevented him from performing at his best. These physical setbacks have caused emotional strain, as van der Poel is known for his competitive nature and desire to win, making it difficult for him to cope with periods of inactivity or subpar performances.
Off the bike, van der Poel also experienced personal sadness when his grandfather, Raymond Poulidor, passed away in 2019. Poulidor, a legendary cyclist in his own right, was a major influence in van der Poel’s life and career. His death was a deeply emotional moment for Mathieu, who had a close relationship with his grandfather.
Despite these sad moments, van der Poel’s ability to overcome adversity has only strengthened his legacy as a cyclist, demonstrating his mental fortitude and unwavering determination to succeed.