Dutch · Kapellen, Belgium · Born 19 January 1995Dutch all-rounder, grandson of Raymond Poulidor, who has won multiple Monuments and world titles across road and cyclo-cross.
Mathieu van der Poel's grandfather, Raymond Poulidor, finished second in the Tour de France three times and never once wore the yellow jersey despite being one of the most popular riders in the race's history -- a near-miss legacy that makes van der Poel's own 2023 World Championship road race win feel like it closed a loop two generations in the making. His rivalry with Wout van Aert has become one of the defining storylines in modern cycling, the two of them trading wins across cyclocross, the cobbled classics, and one-day road races in a way that's genuinely elevated both riders' profiles beyond what either might have achieved without the other pushing them. Van der Poel's eight cyclocross world titles came largely before that road rivalry fully took shape, evidence he was already the sport's most dominant off-road rider before adding road classics to his resume. His run of Tour of Flanders and Paris-Roubaix wins across 2023-2025 put him in company with only a handful of riders ever to dominate both cobbled monuments in the same stretch of seasons -- a level of range across terrain that most one-day specialists never attempt, let alone master.
Multi-discipline dominance - record cyclo-cross champion turned Monument-winning road star
How They Played
Van der Poel is known for his explosive power and aggressive racing style, often launching devastating attacks that drop competitors. His exceptional bike handling skills, developed through cyclo-cross, give him an advantage in technical sections and poor conditions. He combines raw power with tactical intelligence, timing his moves perfectly to maximize their impact.
Lasting Impact
Van der Poel revolutionized modern cycling by proving that success across multiple disciplines is possible at the highest level. His dynamic racing style has inspired a new generation of cyclists and brought renewed excitement to the sport.
Career Honours
- World Road Race Champion 2023
- World Cyclo-cross Champion 8x
- Tour of Flanders 2020, 2022, 2024, 2026
- Paris-Roubaix 2023, 2024, 2025
- Milan-San Remo 2023
Dutch Athletes