An 11-year-old boy fighting a deadly brain tumor had just one final wish — to speak to his cycling hero, Mathieu van der Poel. The young fan had followed Mathieu’s career for years, drawing inspiration from his determination and passion on the bike. His request was simple, but when Mathieu saw the message, what happened next left the entire hospital stunned.
Instead of arranging a phone call, Mathieu quietly made his way to the hospital, walking into the boy’s room unannounced. The child’s face lit up instantly, his eyes widening in disbelief before filling with tears. Mathieu knelt beside the bed, took his hand, and spent time talking about cycling, racing, and life. He signed the boy’s favorite jersey, posed for photos, and even promised to dedicate his next race to him.
Doctors and nurses described the moment as deeply moving, saying it brought an incredible wave of joy and hope to the room. For the boy and his family, it was more than just meeting a sports star — it was a moment of pure kindness and connection at a time when they needed it most. The story has since spread online, with fans praising Mathieu as not only a champion on the bike, but a champion of the heart.
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