Ze is niet alleen mijn vriendin, ze is mijn rots geweest, en haar aanwezigheid naast me heeft me de kracht gegeven die ik nooit voor mogelijk hield….

Mathieu van der Poel has once again opened up about the deep personal bond he shares with his longtime girlfriend, describing her as his emotional anchor through the highs and lows of his cycling career. The Dutch world champion, known for his fierce competitiveness and relentless drive, spoke candidly about how her support has helped him stay grounded amid the pressures of professional racing and the demands of global fame. “Ze is niet alleen mijn vriendin, ze is mijn rots geweest, en haar aanwezigheid naast me heeft me de kracht gegeven die ik nooit voor mogelijk hield,” he shared in a recent conversation, a rare glimpse into the softer side of one of cycling’s most intense figures.

Those close to van der Poel say that his relationship has been a stabilizing force in a life dominated by training, travel, and the constant scrutiny that comes with being one of the sport’s biggest stars. While much of his public image centers on his extraordinary athleticism and his fierce rivalries on the road, away from the races he is described as deeply private and loyal, finding peace in the simple moments shared with his partner. Friends have noted that she often travels to major events, quietly offering her support from the sidelines, preferring to remain out of the spotlight while playing an essential role behind the scenes.

In recent months, van der Poel has faced the usual mix of triumphs and challenges that define an elite career — from his victories at the Classics to the scrutiny that follows every tactical decision he makes on the bike. Through it all, he has credited his girlfriend with helping him maintain perspective, reminding him to focus not only on results but on the joy and passion that first drew him to cycling. “It’s easy to lose yourself in competition,” he once said, “but she helps me remember why I love this sport.”

Their relationship has become an inspiring example for many fans who see in them the balance between ambition and emotional connection. For van der Poel, love and cycling seem to coexist in harmony — one feeding the other, giving him both emotional strength and mental clarity. As he continues to dominate races and redefine what is possible on two wheels, he does so with the quiet confidence that comes from knowing he doesn’t ride alone. The person waiting for him beyond the finish line isn’t just a spectator; she’s a vital part of his journey, the unseen force that keeps him centered when the world around him moves at full speed.