Van der Poelโs Triumphant Return: โThe World is Yet to Know Another Side of the Gameโ
In the world of elite cycling, few names echo louder than that of Mathieu van der Poel. A natural-born athlete with a pedigree steeped in cycling royalty, van der Poel has continuously pushed the boundaries of whatโs possible on two wheels. Now, as he gears up for yet another season of racing โ after injury, questions of longevity, and speculation about his future โ the Belgian-Dutch star is making headlines again with a powerful message: heโs far from done.
In a recent media appearance ahead of the late-season races and the upcoming World Championships, the 29-year-old confirmed his return to top-tier competition. With the signature calm confidence that has defined his career, van der Poel told the gathered press:
โI still feel good. I don’t have the impression that I am getting worse. That will definitely happen at some point โ for everyone, including me. But the desire is still great and cycling remains fun.โ
His words struck a chord โ not only with fans and pundits, but with his rivals too. In an era when athletic longevity is increasingly scrutinized, van der Poel is making it clear that heโs not only still relevant โ heโs still evolving.
A Career Marked by Brilliance
From his first cyclocross world titles to unforgettable stage wins at the Tour de France and commanding victories in the Spring Classics, van der Poelโs career has been a thrilling rollercoaster of dominance, spectacle, and resilience.
In 2023, he silenced all doubters by winning Paris-Roubaix and the UCI Road World Championships, showcasing once again his rare combination of tactical intelligence and brutal power. That year cemented his status as one of the most versatile cyclists of the modern era โ able to win on cobbles, in bunch sprints, and in solo breakaways.
But like all great champions, the road hasnโt always been smooth.
Overcoming Setbacks
Injuries and fatigue became recurring themes through parts of 2022 and early 2024, forcing van der Poel to step back and reevaluate his training and competition schedule. Many wondered if his aggressive, all-in racing style โ once his greatest weapon โ was beginning to exact a toll.
But instead of backing down, van der Poel retooled. Working closely with his Alpecin-Deceuninck team, he restructured his approach to training and recovery. Nutrition, periodization, and mental clarity became core focuses, and the results are now beginning to show.
โIโve learned how to listen to my body better,โ he shared. โWhen youโre younger, you feel like you can race every week. But to stay sharp at this level, especially when youโve been doing this for so long, you have to be smarter โ not just stronger.โ
Another Side of the Game
Perhaps the most intriguing part of van der Poelโs return is the sense that heโs not only coming back to win โ but to redefine.
During his media session, he hinted at changes to his racing strategy, mentioning the phrase: โThe world is yet to know another side of the game.โ While cryptic, insiders believe it points to a more calculated, strategic version of van der Poel, one capable of dominating in stage races and time trials in addition to his usual one-day conquests.
โThereโs a part of my ability that Iโve only just begun to unlock,โ he said. โTactically, mentally, even physically โ I feel like thereโs more in me. The next season will show people what I mean.โ
His return comes at a time when the competition in menโs cycling is fiercer than ever. With the likes of Tadej Pogaฤar, Wout van Aert, Remco Evenepoel, and Jonas Vingegaard all gunning for supremacy, van der Poelโs renewed drive adds even more fire to the sportโs golden era.
Eyes on the Road Ahead
Van der Poelโs focus for the remainder of the 2025 season includes several key races, among them:
- The UCI World Road Championships, where he aims to defend or reclaim his title.
- The Tour of Flanders, a race that has defined much of his spring legacy.
- Potential appearances in La Vuelta or other late-season Grand Tours โ depending on form and strategy.
But beyond the race schedule, van der Poelโs mindset remains rooted in enjoyment and passion.
โYou canโt do this job if you donโt love it,โ he said. โI still wake up excited to ride. That feeling โ that desire โ is stronger than ever.โ
Legacy in Motion
As the grandson of French cycling legend Raymond Poulidor and the son of Dutch cyclist Adri van der Poel, Mathieu has always carried expectations. But heโs made the name his own. His aggressive riding, fearless attacks, and sheer showmanship have not only earned him victories, but legions of fans across Belgium, the Netherlands, and the world.
Now, entering his 30s with a legacy already secured, van der Poel rides not for validation โ but for transformation. For the love of the game. For the challenge of pushing the sport to new heights.
And if his words are any indication, the next chapter may be his most thrilling yet.
โThe world hasnโt seen everything yet,โ van der Poel said with a grin. โNot even close.โ
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