Mathieu van der Poel on How His Father Shaped His Career: “Having My Dad Is an Added Advantage.
Mathieu van der Poel is a name that resonates across multiple cycling disciplines, from road racing to cyclo-cross and mountain biking. As one of the most talented and versatile cyclists of his generation, his success is not just a product of his hard work and talent but also of the immense influence and support from his father, Adri van der Poel. In interviews, Mathieu has often emphasized how having his father—a former professional cyclist and a legend in his own right—has been an added advantage in shaping his career.
This article delves into the extraordinary journey of Mathieu van der Poel, the role of his father in molding him into the champion he is today, and how this father-son relationship has shaped the landscape of modern cycling.
1. The Legacy of Adri van der Poel
Before understanding Mathieu’s rise to greatness, it is essential to recognize the legacy of his father, Adri van der Poel. Born in 1959, Adri was a highly accomplished cyclist in the 1980s and 1990s. He specialized in both road and cyclo-cross, winning numerous prestigious races, including:
The Tour of Flanders (1986)
The Liège-Bastogne-Liège (1988)
The Amstel Gold Race (1990)
Multiple Cyclo-cross World Cup victories
Adri was a two-time Dutch National Champion and won the Cyclo-cross World Championship in 1996, cementing his status as one of the most versatile cyclists of his era. Competing against the likes of Sean Kelly and Bernard Hinault, Adri’s aggressive and tactical racing style made him a formidable competitor.
However, beyond his own achievements, Adri’s greatest legacy is arguably his role in mentoring his son, Mathieu, and guiding him toward an elite cycling career.
2. A Childhood Immersed in Cycling
Mathieu van der Poel was born on January 19, 1995, into a family that breathed cycling. Apart from his father’s accomplishments, his grandfather was Raymond Poulidor, the legendary French cyclist who famously finished second in the Tour de France three times but never wore the yellow jersey.
Growing up in such a household, it was almost inevitable that Mathieu would develop a passion for cycling. From an early age, his father played a pivotal role in introducing him to the sport.
Mathieu’s first bike rides were with Adri, who taught him balance, handling, and the importance of endurance.
By the time he was a teenager, Mathieu was already displaying exceptional talent in both cyclo-cross and road racing.
Adri meticulously guided his training routines, ensuring that his son did not overtrain or suffer burnout.
This early exposure to elite-level cycling gave Mathieu a deep understanding of the sport’s demands and pressures, something few young cyclists experience.
3. The Influence of Adri’s Training Philosophy
One of the most significant advantages of having Adri as a father was the ability to train under someone who had competed at the highest level. Adri’s approach to training focused on:
Balanced Development: He ensured Mathieu did not specialize too early, allowing him to develop skills across multiple disciplines.
Mental Strength: Having faced the best riders of his era, Adri instilled in Mathieu the ability to handle pressure and remain composed in high-stakes races.
Tactical Intelligence: Cycling is not just about raw power but also about reading the race. Adri taught Mathieu how to conserve energy, when to attack, and how to position himself optimally.
Adri’s meticulous guidance allowed Mathieu to develop into one of the most intelligent racers on the circuit.
4. Early Success: Following in His Father’s Footsteps
Mathieu’s rise in the cycling world was nothing short of phenomenal. From the moment he started racing competitively, he dominated the junior and under-23 categories. His early achievements included:
Winning the Junior Road World Championships (2013)
Securing back-to-back Junior Cyclo-cross World Championships (2012, 2013)
Becoming the U23 Cyclo-cross World Champion (2015)
These victories were a testament to the strong foundation laid by Adri. He had given Mathieu the tools needed to excel, but it was up to his son to capitalize on them—and he did so brilliantly.
5. The Evolution into a Multi-Discipline Star
One of Mathieu’s defining traits is his ability to compete across various cycling disciplines. While many riders specialize in either road cycling, cyclo-cross, or mountain biking, Mathieu excels in all three. This versatility is another aspect where Adri’s influence is apparent.
Cyclo-cross Dominance: Mathieu has won multiple Cyclo-cross World Championships, following in Adri’s footsteps.
Mountain Bike Success: He won the 2021 UCI Mountain Bike World Cup and represented the Netherlands at the Tokyo Olympics.
Road Racing Achievements: His victories in Tour of Flanders (2020, 2022) and Paris-Roubaix (2023) highlight his prowess in the classics.
Adri’s philosophy of keeping options open and not specializing too soon allowed Mathieu to develop a skill set that makes him one of the most exciting riders in the world today.
6. The Emotional Support from a Cycling Legend
Beyond training and race tactics, Adri’s presence as a father figure has been equally important. Having a father who understands the physical and mental toll of professional cycling has been a massive advantage for Mathieu.
Handling Pressure: Unlike many young cyclists, Mathieu did not have to navigate the complexities of professional cycling alone. Adri’s experience helped him manage expectations.
Avoiding Pitfalls: Adri had witnessed the highs and lows of cycling and ensured that his son avoided common mistakes, such as overtraining or poor race planning.
Confidence Booster: Knowing that his father had been through similar situations gave Mathieu confidence in his decisions.
This emotional backing has been just as crucial as any physical training regimen.
7. The Impact on Modern Cycling
Mathieu van der Poel’s career is not just about individual success—it has reshaped modern cycling. Thanks to his influence:
More young cyclists are now competing in multiple disciplines rather than specializing early.
The intensity of racing has increased, as seen in how he and rival Wout van Aert push each other to the limits.
He has brought a fresh, aggressive racing style that fans love, making cycling more exciting to watch.
Many of these traits can be traced back to Adri’s mentorship, proving how deep his influence runs.
8. Looking Ahead: The Future of Mathieu’s Career
At 29 years old, Mathieu van der Poel still has many years at the top level. With multiple victories in major classics and a potential shot at the Tour de France, his career is far from over.
Adri remains a crucial part of his journey, continuing to provide guidance and insight. As Mathieu looks to cement his legacy, he will undoubtedly continue drawing from the wisdom of his father.
Conclusion: A Father’s Impact on a Champion
Mathieu van der Poel’s journey to cycling greatness is a testament to talent, hard work, and, most importantly, the invaluable support of his father, Adri van der Poel. From early childhood training to tactical race insights, Adri has played a monumental role in shaping Mathieu into the superstar he is today.
Having a former professional cyclist as a father is an advantage, but what makes this relationship special is the way Adri has nurtured Mathieu’s talent without forcing him into a predetermined path. Instead, he provided guidance, support, and knowledge, allowing Mathieu to carve out his own legacy.
As Mathieu continues to redef
ine modern cycling, one thing remains clear—his father’s influence will always be an integral part of his journey.
