Mathieu Van der Poel: Portrait of a Legend

When you are the son of a champion, it is never easy to make a name for yourself. Yet Mathieu Van der Poel‘s destiny seems to be set without taking such considerations into account. The modern cyclo-cross prodigy distinguishes himself to such an extent that one might even forget that his grandfather was also one of the greatest stars cycling has ever known. He is the new world champion.

By Jean-François Tatard – Photos: All rights reserved

In a cyclo-cross world championship, being the overwhelming favorite does not necessarily translate into a victory. You can have dominated the entire season and miss the only real important event… Nevertheless, being there on D-day is often the mark of the truly Great!

World Champion (finally!)

After dominating the entire season in an almost insolent manner, young Dutchman Mathieu Van der Poel dominated the only race that truly matters to establish himself as the best in the world: the race for the rainbow jersey. He was, however, the undisputed favorite for the event held in Denmark. Toon Aerts, the World Cup winner, and Wout Van Aert, the three-time world champion, could do little against the supremacy and extraordinary display of class and technical skill of Raymond Poulidor’s grandson.

Van der Poel’s talent is matched only by the feats he performs on his bike. As passionate as we are, we have all seen those images on the sand where we wonder how he manages to stay on his machine without putting a foot down. It’s a technique all his own. A genius! The only one to master this art to such an extent. No matter the terrain, he tames all surfaces with disconcerting speed. He tames his bike. He dominates his opponents. The only thing Van der Poel doesn’t control, ultimately, is his lineage.

A name, a double history

Van der Poel is a name that carries weight. His father, Adrie Van der Poel, won the Tour of Flanders and Liège-Bastogne-Liège, two of the most beautiful Classics on the calendar. And among hundreds and hundreds of victories, his palmarès also prominently features a cyclo-cross world championship title, acquired in 1996 in Montreuil.

Mathieu learned to live in that world. He was prepared for it, or perhaps he prepared himself, all alone. While grandfathers generally tell their little boys stories of cowboys or knights while eating sugar crepes made by their grandmothers for a snack, his grandpa told him the story of the most beautiful duel cycling has ever known… “The legend of the eternal second of the Tour against Master Jacques Anquetil… “. This legend born of unfinished exploits and misfortunes encountered, it’s funny, but it smells of experience… And for good reason, Mathieu’s grandfather is none other than Raymond Poulidor.

Connoisseurs have long known that this kid is even stronger than his ancestors. “Poupou” himself saw very early on that his own daughter’s son was a prodigy. It is said that at five years old, Mathieu already showed a mastery found nowhere else. Every year that followed, he only confirmed it. Six years ago, Van der Poel even won all thirty cyclo-cross races he took part in: such consistency, beyond a certain level, is art.

The most talented in history?

Praise swirls around the prodigy. He stands out from the others. He dominates the discipline with all his class. Even on the road, he distinguishes himself: in 2013, he was crowned Junior Road World Champion. And a year and a half later, at just 20 years old, he became the youngest cyclo-cross world champion in history. While cyclo-cross belongs to him, he doesn’t even seem to measure the weight on his shoulders. Van der Poel is playing…

What characterizes him is this impression of serenity, this detachment from the excitement his story generates. “I just focus on having fun“ are his words. Mathieu Van der Poel is enjoying himself.

And tomorrow?

Tomorrow is literally tomorrow. The day after the World Championship also marks the end of a perfectly successful season with a report card that would earn the congratulations of the jury. But tomorrow is also the aftermath. Mathieu Van der Poel has (almost) won everything in his discipline. So what can we imagine for him? “My future? I first want to go to the Olympic Games in mountain biking and then I will move towards road cycling.” His grandfather says he can win the Tour. Mathieu, in any case, has already mapped out his career. And so far, it has been flawless. So…

Today, he is the national pro champion in all disciplines: road, mountain bike, and cyclo-cross.

In modern cycling, where one must choose a discipline, it seems impossible to play on all fronts. Road, cross, or mountain bike, a choice will have to be made. Yet, Mathieu earns his legitimacy on his bike. Today, he is the national pro champion in all disciplines: road, mountain bike, and cyclo-cross.

Every time Mathieu Van der Poel opens a new chapter, it results in success. He validates all events with the power of a man who knows everything about the environment and its principles. Where it is usually the sports directors, selectors, organizers, or even the calendar that hold the power and choice of careers, Mathieu Van der Poel still does what he wants…