Amid swirling rumors and growing speculation about a potential record-breaking transfer, Mathieu van der Poel has finally spoken — and his words have left both fans and media stunned. The world champion, who has been the centerpiece of countless headlines in recent weeks, broke his silence during a brief and emotional encounter with reporters. When asked about the rumors linking him to other top cycling teams, Van der Poel paused for a moment, lowered his head, and said softly but firmly: “I don’t want to leave Alpecin-Deceuninck.”
That single sentence, uttered without a press conference or a carefully crafted statement, sent an immediate ripple across the cycling world. It wasn’t the dramatic denial some expected, nor a teasing confirmation — it was pure, unfiltered honesty from a rider whose loyalty and humility continue to define him as much as his talent. Within minutes, social media lit up with messages of respect and admiration, as fans and fellow riders praised Van der Poel’s quiet but powerful declaration of loyalty.
For weeks, speculation had grown that several major WorldTour teams were preparing to offer Van der Poel one of the largest contracts in cycling history. Reports suggested figures that could exceed anything previously seen in the sport, with some insiders calling it a “transfer war” between powerhouse teams eager to lure the Dutch champion away from Alpecin-Deceuninck. Yet, through it all, Van der Poel remained silent — until now.
Sources close to the team confirmed that while outside offers have indeed been made, Mathieu’s focus remains on his current squad. “He’s always been a man of loyalty,” a team insider said. “Alpecin-Deceuninck is his home. They’ve been with him since the beginning, and that bond means more to him than any paycheck or contract offer.”
Team manager Christoph Roodhooft echoed the sentiment in a short response following Van der Poel’s comment, saying, “Mathieu is more than a rider — he’s part of our family. Whatever happens in the future, his heart has always been in this team, and that’s something we value above all else.”
Fans across the cycling community have reacted with overwhelming support, calling his statement “the classiest response possible” and a reminder that loyalty still exists in professional sports. “He could chase the money,” one fan wrote online, “but instead, he chose the people who believed in him first. That’s what real champions do.”
Van der Poel’s words also carry emotional weight given his long and successful history with Alpecin-Deceuninck. The team has been instrumental in shaping his career, supporting him through his victories at the World Championships, Monument Classics, and multiple cyclocross titles. His success has, in turn, elevated the team to one of the most respected outfits in the cycling world.
Despite the rumors continuing to swirl, Van der Poel’s statement has effectively drawn a line in the sand. He may be one of the most sought-after athletes in cycling, but his loyalty to his roots — and to those who helped him rise to greatness — remains unshaken.
For now, Mathieu van der Poel is doing what he does best: staying focused, training hard, and letting his performances on the road speak louder than any speculation. In a world driven by contracts and headlines, his quiet sentence — “I don’t want to leave Alpecin-Deceuninck” — may just be the most powerful message of them all.
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