In a groundbreaking moment that transcends the world of professional cycling, Dutch superstar Mathieu van der Poel has signed a historic \$120 million deal with a new team for the 2026 season — and in a move that has stunned the sporting world, he has pledged to donate half of it to global charitable causes.
The 30-year-old Alpecin–Deceuninck captain, who has already solidified his legacy with major wins in the Tour de France, the Cyclocross World Championships, and multiple Monuments, announced the news during a packed press conference held at Amsterdam’s Olympic Stadium earlier today.
“This is more than a contract. It’s a chance to do something meaningful with the blessings this sport has given me,” Van der Poel told reporters. “Cycling has made me who I am, but giving back is part of who I want to become.”
The $120 million deal, reportedly signed with a major international team rumored to be expanding into both road and gravel cycling, is one of the largest individual athlete contracts ever recorded in the sport’s history. The agreement includes performance bonuses, long-term ambassador roles, and a charity clause personally drafted and signed by Van der Poel.
In a remarkable show of purpose and compassion, Van der Poel has promised that \$60 million of his contract earnings will be directed into a newly launched non-profit organization: the Van der Poel Foundation for Global Good. This foundation will focus on youth empowerment, clean water initiatives, reforestation, and health support in underserved communities.
Initial partnerships have already been confirmed with UNICEF, World Bicycle Relief, the Dutch Heart Foundation, and several environmental organizations focused on climate resilience and green recovery efforts. The foundation will be headquartered in the Netherlands with operations spanning Africa, Southeast Asia, and South America.
“When I see kids walking miles to school or families without clean drinking water, it reminds me that winning races isn’t everything. I want to use my platform to shift lives, not just gears,” Van der Poel said.
The response from across the sporting world has been immediate and overwhelmingly positive. Cyclists, commentators, and fans have flooded social media with praise, calling the act “unprecedented,” “heroic,” and “proof that greatness goes beyond medals.”
Tour de France champion Tadej Pogačar tweeted, “What a legend. On the bike and in life. Respect to Mathieu 👏 #GameChanger.”
Even Dutch Prime Minister Marjan van der Meer issued a statement commending Van der Poel’s decision, calling it “an inspiring blend of elite sport and human values.”
Though details of the new team remain under wraps, sources say the contract allows Van der Poel full freedom to compete in road races, cyclocross, and even gravel events, while also taking on a global ambassador role for social impact through sport. Discussions are also ongoing about his involvement in the 2028 Olympic Games, potentially as both an athlete and a humanitarian representative.
Van der Poel made it clear during the announcement that this is not a retirement plan, but rather a redefinition of his mission both as a cyclist and a citizen of the world.
“I’ve got plenty of fuel left in the tank. The next few years will be my best — on and off the bike.”
With this move, Mathieu van der Poel not only reaffirms his place among cycling’s all-time greats but also sets a powerful new standard for what it means to use fame and fortune for meaningful change.
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