Mathieu van der Poel

Mathieu van der Poel was born on January 19, 1995, in Kapellen, Belgium. Born into a family with a strong cycling heritage, his father is Adri van der Poel, a former professional cyclist and World Champion in Cyclo-cross, and his grandfather is Raymond Poulidor, a legend in the sport. Mathieu showed early promise in both cyclo-cross and road cycling. He quickly rose through the ranks in junior and under-23 categories, gaining attention for his ability and versatility in cycling.

On January 31, 2015, Mathieu van der Poel won the UCI Cyclo-cross World Championships in Tábor, Czech Republic. His victory marked him as the youngest winner of the men’s title since 1997. At just 20 years old, van der Poel displayed incredible skill and determination, overcoming the competition in challenging conditions. His performance solidified his status as one of the top cyclo-cross riders in the world, following in his father's footsteps who also won the World Championships.

On April 21, 2019, Mathieu van der Poel won the Amstel Gold Race in the Netherlands, delivering a stunning performance. This race is part of the UCI World Tour and is famous for its challenging hills and gradients. Van der Poel's victory came after an incredible late burst in the final kilometers, where he caught and passed the leading riders. His victory was applauded as one of the most incredible finishes seen in the race's history, showcasing his strategic acumen and sprinting prowess.

Mathieu van der Poel claimed victory at the Tour of Flanders on October 18, 2020. One of the Monument classics in cycling, the race is known for its tough cobbled sections and climbs. Van der Poel beat his arch-rival Wout van Aert in a dramatic sprint finish after breaking away from the peloton in the final kilometers. This win added a Monument classic to van der Poel's already impressive palmarès and demonstrated his skill on the cobbled classics, further cementing his reputation as a versatile and formidable cyclist.

Mathieu van der Poel made his Tour de France debut memorable by winning Stage 2 on July 6, 2021, and taking the yellow jersey. The stage featured the famous Mûr-de-Bretagne, where his explosive power was on full display. This victory was significant as he dedicated it to his late grandfather, Raymond Poulidor, who was a beloved figure in the Tour's history but never wore the yellow jersey. Van der Poel's win took the cycling world by storm, showcasing his versatility and heartfelt connection to cycling history.

On February 19, 2022, Mathieu van der Poel secured another UCI Cyclo-cross World Championship title in Fayetteville, Arkansas. Having previously secured this title multiple times, his 2022 victory demonstrated his consistent prowess and strategic mastery across diverse cyclo-cross terrains. His triumph was marked by his ability to handle technical courses with ease, and he continued to assert his dominance in the cyclo-cross domain. This victory reinforced his standing as a top-tier athlete in the sport.

Mathieu van der Poel clinched victory in the 2023 Milan-San Remo, one of cycling's monumental classics, on March 12, 2023. His powerful attack on the final climb demonstrated his tactical prowess and physical strength. This victory was particularly notable because Milan-San Remo is one of the oldest and longest one-day races in professional cycling, often requiring both endurance and strategic finesse. Van der Poel's mastery in both attacking at the right moment and maintaining his lead proved his elite status in professional cycling.

On July 31, 2023, Mathieu van der Poel achieved a career milestone by winning the UCI Road World Championships in Glasgow, Scotland. This victory was highly significant as it was his first road world championship title. In the challenging course, van der Poel executed a strategic race, launching a decisive attack that distanced his rivals. His win at the World Championships marked another highlight in his diverse career, underscoring his ability to excel in road racing at the highest level.

On September 24, 2023, Mathieu van der Poel added another win to his resume by triumphing at the Grand Prix de Wallonie in Belgium. Known for its hilly terrain, the race was a test of climbing ability and endurance. Van der Poel's victory came after a calculated attack on the final climb, showcasing his climbing skills and tactical acumen. This win was a testament to his ongoing competitive form post the World Championships and his continuous presence as a leading figure in international cycling.

On October 8, 2023, Mathieu van der Poel emerged victorious at the Giro di Lombardia, one of the five Monument classics of cycling, often dubbed the 'Race of the Falling Leaves'. His win at this prestigious event was achieved through a solo attack on the challenging parcours filled with steep climbs and technical descents. This victory was significant as it added another Monument win to his comprehensive palmarès, demonstrating his strength during the concluding part of the cycling season. Van der Poel's win was celebrated as a testament to his remarkable all-rounder capabilities.