“It’s amazing, \$3 million!” — Roxanne Bertels couldn’t hold back her tears as she praised her boyfriend Mathieu van der Poel for his astonishing gesture of donating a massive sum to fight hunger in the Netherlands. The world champion, widely regarded as one of the most dominant and fearless riders of his generation, shocked not only fans but also fellow athletes with an act of generosity that went far beyond the cycling world.
According to sources close to the family, Van der Poel quietly arranged the donation through a national hunger-relief foundation, with the money aimed at providing food security to struggling households across the country. For Roxanne, this was more than just a generous act — it was a reflection of Mathieu’s heart off the bike. “It changes everything,” she said emotionally. “As one of the most famous riders, at the very top of the sport, he did something that no other rider could do. He’s showing the world that success is not just about victories but about giving back.”
Fans around the world celebrated the moment, flooding social media with admiration for the Dutchman’s selflessness. Many described him as a true role model, not only for aspiring cyclists but for anyone seeking to use their platform for good. What made the donation even more remarkable was Van der Poel’s message afterwards, which left supporters stunned. He admitted that while racing and winning titles gave him pride, this act of helping others meant far more than any trophy he had ever lifted.
“I’ve achieved a lot in my career,” Van der Poel reportedly said, “but none of those achievements will mean anything if I cannot use them to make life better for others. Cycling has given me everything — now it’s time to give something back.” His words sparked emotional reactions across the cycling community, with teammates, rivals, and fans alike applauding his humility.
As the cycling season continues, Van der Poel’s gesture is expected to inspire others in the sporting world to step up and support causes beyond the competitive arena. For Roxanne, it was a moment that showed the world a side of Mathieu many already knew — not just a champion on the road, but a champion in life.
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