Mathieu van der Poel has given everything he could in this Tour — not every battle is about the spotlight. Sometimes the greatest strength is in riding for others, and he’s done that with heart, humility, and class….

Mathieu van der Poel’s Tour de France might not have been defined by solo attacks or spectacular finishes, but his contribution has been no less important. While the cameras often follow the stage winners or the GC contenders, there are riders whose value lies in the work they do behind the scenes—work that doesn’t always make headlines but shapes the race nonetheless. Van der Poel has been exactly that kind of rider this Tour: reliable, powerful, and completely dedicated to the goals of his team.

From the opening week to the final mountain stages, Van der Poel has given everything asked of him and more. His efforts in the sprint stages, especially in positioning his teammate Jasper Philipsen, have been vital. Acting as a world-class lead-out man, he’s helped put Philipsen in perfect position to contest finishes against the best sprinters in the world. It’s a role that demands strength, timing, and selflessness — and Mathieu has played it with quiet authority.

For a rider of his talent — someone who has won Monuments, worn the yellow jersey, and dazzled fans across multiple disciplines — it might seem surprising to see him take a supporting role. But that’s what makes Van der Poel exceptional. He understands the bigger picture. He knows that cycling is not just about individual wins, but about doing what’s best for the team. That kind of humility is rare, especially in a rider who could so easily chase his own glory.

His ability to put his ego aside and focus entirely on helping others succeed says as much about his character as it does about his physical ability. When the situation has called for it, he’s ridden on the front for hours, closed gaps, and neutralized threats — all to make sure his team stayed in control. It’s the kind of hard, gritty racing that rarely gets the spotlight but is absolutely essential.

Even without a personal stage win this year, Van der Poel’s Tour should be remembered for what it was: a masterclass in commitment and teamwork. He’s proven that greatness doesn’t always mean crossing the finish line first. Sometimes, it means sacrificing your own chances so someone else can shine. And he’s done that — with heart, humility, and class.