Mathieu van der Poel, born on January 19, 1995, in Kapellen, Belgium, is a Dutch professional cyclist who rides for the UCI WorldTeam Alpecin–Deceuninck and has had a significant impact on the world of cycling. Coming from a family with a rich cycling heritage, his father, Adrie van der Poel, was a former professional cyclist, and his grandfather, Raymond Poulidor, was a legendary French cyclist.
Van der Poel showed immense talent and passion for the sport from a young age. He began his cycling career in cyclo-cross, where he quickly gained attention for his exceptional skills. He competes across various disciplines of the sport, besides cyclo-cross, as well mountain bike racing, gravel cycling, and road bicycle racing.
He is widely recognized for his triumphs at the Cyclo-cross World Championships in Tábor (2015), Bogense (2019), Dübendorf (2020), Ostend (2021), and Hoogerheide (2023). In addition, he secured victory at the Junior Road Race World Championships in Florence (2013), becoming the first rider to claim multiple titles at that level by winning the Junior Cyclo-cross World Championships in Koksijde (2012) and Louisville (2013).
Notably, Van der Poel emerged victorious at the 2018 Dutch National Road Race Championships in Hoogerheide, as well as the 2019 editions of Dwars door Vlaanderen, the Brabantse Pijl, and the Amstel Gold Race.
He achieved remarkable success, winning multiple national and world championships in various age categories.
++ Tour de France 2023: See where to watch the most anticipated competition of the year
In recent years, van der Poel has demonstrated his versatility as a cyclist by venturing into road racing and mountain biking, showcasing his immense talent across different disciplines. His ability to seamlessly transition between various forms of cycling has earned him admiration and respect from fans and fellow cyclists.
A defining moment in van der Poel’s career came in 2019 when he claimed victory in the prestigious Amstel Gold Race, a one-day classic held in the Netherlands. This win marked a significant milestone in his road racing journey, showcasing his relentless determination and explosive riding style that make him a formidable competitor in both road and off-road races.
In 2020, van der Poel continued to make headlines with impressive performances. He won the Dutch National Road Race Championships, adding another prestigious title to his growing list of achievements. Additionally, he secured victories in prominent races such as the Tour of Britain and the Tour of Flanders, solidifying his status as one of the most talented cyclists of his generation.
++ USA Cycling Pro Road Nationals return to Tennessee with competitions through Sunday
Moving into 2021, van der Poel’s success story persisted. He triumphed in the demanding Strade Bianche, a one-day race in Tuscany, Italy, demonstrating exceptional skills on challenging terrain. His relentless attacking style and ability to navigate tough conditions have become trademarks of his racing approach.
In 2022, van der Poel achieved further glory by winning the Tour of Flanders for the second time in his career. This victory showcased his mastery of the cobbled classics and his ability to outclass some of the world’s best riders in challenging race scenarios.
As of 2023, Mathieu van der Poel’s career continues to flourish, firmly establishing his name among cycling’s elite. His passion, versatility, and unwavering dedication to victory inspire fans worldwide. With extraordinary talent and relentless pursuit, van der Poel has left an indelible mark on Pro cycling, and his journey is far from over.
Make sure to like our Facebook and Instagram pages for more Miami Cycling Show news.
