In a revelation that stunned both fans and the cycling world, Mathieu van der Poel opened up in an emotional interview about the silent battles he faced behind his incredible success. Known for his explosive power and dominance on the road, the reigning world champion shared that there was a time when he nearly walked away from the sport entirely. What stopped him, he says, was the unwavering support of his wife and parents — the very people who stood by him through every fall, every injury, and every mental struggle that the public never saw.
Van der Poel described moments of deep exhaustion and emotional burnout, especially after the intense pressure of living up to the family legacy set by his father, Adrie van der Poel, and grandfather, Raymond Poulidor. “It wasn’t the physical pain that broke me,” he admitted softly, “it was the mental weight of expectation. I felt like I had to be perfect every time I touched the bike.”
He revealed that his wife became his anchor during those dark days, quietly reminding him of the joy cycling once brought him. “She saw what no one else did — the nights I couldn’t sleep, the frustration, the doubt. She never asked me to win; she just wanted me to be happy,” Mathieu said.
His parents, meanwhile, offered guidance only a family rooted in cycling could give. His father reminded him that even the greatest champions have limits and that it was okay to rest. “When I told him I wanted to quit, he didn’t argue. He just told me to find my reason to ride again. That moment changed everything,” Van der Poel recalled with emotion.
Today, Van der Poel’s relationship with his family is stronger than ever, and he credits them for keeping his career — and spirit — alive. “Without them,” he said, pausing as tears welled up in his eyes, “there would be no rainbow jersey, no world titles, no me in cycling.”
Fans across the world reacted with a mix of shock and admiration, calling his honesty a rare moment of vulnerability in professional sports. Social media flooded with messages of love and respect for the Dutch superstar, celebrating not only his victories but the heart behind them.
As the cycling season continues, Van der Poel’s words have added a new dimension to his story — one not just about medals and podiums, but about the quiet power of love, family, and resilience that keeps a champion standing tall.
Leave a Reply