Mathieu van der Poel has shocked the cycling world with an emotional revelation, admitting that despite his incredible success on the bike, he feels he has lost touch with himself. The Dutch superstar, who has become one of the sport’s most celebrated figures thanks to his dominance in classics, cyclocross, and road racing, announced that he will be stepping back to focus on rediscovering life beyond the relentless pressures of competition. “I’ve won races,” Van der Poel said candidly, “but I’ve lost myself.”
The reigning world champion has spent much of the past decade in the spotlight, his career defined by relentless ambition and a constant drive for perfection. Yet behind the victories and iconic performances, Van der Poel confessed that the burden of expectation, the unending cycle of training and racing, and the constant scrutiny had taken a heavy toll on his identity and well-being. “People see the rainbow jersey, the sprint finishes, the victories that make headlines,” he explained. “But very few see the quiet moments when you question if you’re still living the life you want, or just chasing what others expect of you.”
Those closest to him, including his longtime partner Roxanne Bertels, revealed that this decision had been building for some time. The couple had many late-night discussions about what truly mattered, and it became clear to Van der Poel that he needed to prioritize his personal life, relationships, and mental health. “Cycling has given me everything,” he admitted, “but in giving so much of myself to it, I’ve left little room to simply be Mathieu, not just the rider.”
The announcement has drawn a wave of support from teammates, rivals, and fans around the globe. Many praised his honesty and bravery, calling his decision a powerful reminder that athletes are human beings first. Social media platforms lit up with messages of encouragement, urging him to take all the time he needs to heal and rediscover balance. Some within the sport even noted that Van der Poel’s words highlight a growing awareness of the mental and emotional toll that elite competition can bring, no matter how successful an athlete may appear from the outside.
Van der Poel was clear in saying that this was not necessarily the end of his career, but rather a necessary pause. He wants to reconnect with the joy of everyday life, enjoy moments with family and friends, and step away from the never-ending pressure of being one of the best cyclists in the world. “The bike will always be a part of me,” he said, “but I need to find the person behind the athlete again. Only then will I know what the future holds.”
For now, Mathieu van der Poel’s focus shifts away from the peloton and towards himself — a move that may prove to be as inspiring as any of his legendary victories. In a career already filled with unforgettable triumphs, his decision to prioritize his own well-being could stand as his most meaningful win yet.
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