As the cycling season winds down and the autumn air begins to take hold, most riders are catching their breath, recharging, and quietly preparing for the next chapter. But for Mathieu van der Poel, downtime doesn’t mean switching off—it just means switching sports.
Currently on a sponsor tour that has seen him travel across Europe meeting with key commercial partners, the reigning world champion has been mixing business with pleasure. And in an unexpected twist this week, Van der Poel delivered what he called “probably the best round of golf” of his life—turning heads not on the road, but on the fairways.
From the Peloton to the Putting Green
Known for his relentless drive and multi-disciplinary dominance in road racing, cyclo-cross, and mountain biking, Van der Poel is no stranger to challenging himself in new arenas. But few expected such a standout performance when the Dutchman joined a group of high-profile sponsors and elite-level golfers for a friendly round during a private event earlier this week.
Held at an exclusive course reportedly located in southern France, the event was meant to be a casual networking opportunity—a chance for Van der Poel to give back to sponsors who have stood by him through an extraordinary season, including his Tour de France stage win and a dominant performance at the World Championships. But it quickly became clear that Van der Poel wasn’t just there to shake hands.
A Round to Remember
While the full scorecard remains private, insiders present at the round confirmed that Van der Poel played with the precision and poise of someone far more seasoned in the sport. He reportedly nailed multiple birdies, played consistent off the tee, and navigated the course with a quiet confidence that impressed even the most experienced players in the group.
Speaking afterward, Van der Poel was modest but couldn’t hide his satisfaction:
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