21 Things You Didn’t Know About Mathieu van der Poel
When you hear the name Mathieu van der Poel, you probably think of explosive attacks, rainbow jerseys, and unforgettable wins across road, cyclo-cross, and mountain biking. The Dutch superstar has quickly become one of the most versatile and admired athletes in the world of cycling. But behind the victories and headlines lies a fascinating story filled with quirks, traditions, and lesser-known facts.
Here are 21 things you didn’t know about Mathieu van der Poel, offering a deeper glimpse into the life and career of one of cycling’s biggest names.
1. Cycling is in his blood
Van der Poel comes from a true cycling dynasty. His father, Adrie van der Poel, won Tour de France stages and the Tour of Flanders, while his grandfather is none other than French legend Raymond Poulidor, a three-time Tour de France runner-up.
2. He started racing at just 5 years old
Mathieu first competed in youth cyclo-cross races before most kids even learned long division. His natural bike handling was evident even then.
3. He is a two-time World Champion in cyclo-cross before age 25
While many riders peak later, van der Poel was already winning rainbow jerseys in cyclo-cross as a teenager, setting the tone for his multi-discipline dominance.
4. He speaks three languages fluently
Dutch, English, and French. Growing up in Belgium, the Netherlands, and with a French grandfather, he had the perfect environment to pick up multiple tongues.
5. He once nearly quit cycling
As a teenager, he briefly considered leaving competitive cycling due to the pressures of carrying the family legacy. His father encouraged him to stick with it, and the rest is history.
6. His favorite training terrain? Forest trails
Despite being one of the best road riders in the world, van der Poel often prefers the quiet of forest singletracks. It keeps his bike handling sharp and connects him back to his cyclo-cross roots.
7. He loves fishing in his free time
Away from the bike, he often relaxes by fishing—a hobby that gives him peace and balance after intense training and racing schedules.
8. He is an avid gamer
Van der Poel has admitted to enjoying long gaming sessions with friends, especially during winter when training hours are reduced.
9. He almost became a soccer player
As a child, he split his time between cycling and football. Some reports suggest he had the potential to play professionally before ultimately committing to cycling.
10. He has won a Tour of Flanders and Paris-Roubaix in dominant fashion
By the age of 29, he had already secured victories in the two toughest one-day classics, cementing his place among the sport’s all-time greats.
11. He was once criticized for being “too aggressive”
Van der Poel’s fearless riding style—especially in cyclo-cross—sometimes rubbed rivals the wrong way early in his career. Now, it’s seen as his greatest strength.
12. His VO2 max is off the charts
While exact numbers aren’t public, physiologists suggest his VO2 max (a measure of aerobic capacity) is among the highest ever recorded in cycling.
13. He loves dogs
Van der Poel is a dog lover, often sharing pictures of his pets on social media when he’s not traveling or racing.
14. His Olympic dream turned into a nightmare
In Tokyo 2021, he crashed heavily in the mountain bike race after misjudging a drop-off, ending his medal hopes. He admitted it haunted him for months afterward.
15. He has a tattoo dedicated to family
Van der Poel sports a small tattoo symbolizing his family roots, a reminder of his cycling lineage and the support that shaped him.
16. He is known for his short, high-intensity training
Unlike many pros who favor endless hours in the saddle, van der Poel prefers explosive interval sessions, mirroring his racing style.
17. He once went nearly two years unbeaten in cyclo-cross
From 2018 to 2020, he dominated the discipline, winning more than 30 straight races before finally being dethroned by rival Wout van Aert.
18. He loves karting
When not on two wheels, he sometimes races go-karts with friends and teammates, proving his competitive streak isn’t limited to bikes.
19. He’s not a coffee drinker
In a sport where coffee stops are sacred, van der Poel is an outlier—he rarely drinks coffee, preferring water or energy drinks instead.
20. His nickname is “MVDP”
Fans and commentators often shorten his name to MVDP, a nod to his growing global recognition.
21. He still feels pressure living up to his grandfather’s name
Despite his huge success, van der Poel has said that being the grandson of Poulidor sometimes weighs on him. “He was loved by everyone in France. I want to honor that legacy,” he once shared.
Conclusion: More Than Just a Cyclist
Mathieu van der Poel is not just one of the greatest multi-discipline riders of all time; he’s also a fascinating personality with a life filled with passions, challenges, and quirks that go beyond the bike. From his family legacy to his love of fishing and gaming, these 21 things paint a fuller picture of the man fans see only when he’s raising his arms at the finish line.
What makes van der Poel unique isn’t just his power or versatility—it’s his ability to stay grounded despite being part of cycling royalty. With many prime years ahead, fans can expect more victories, but also more surprises from a rider who thrives on defying expectations.
Leave a Reply