Roxanne Reveals: Mathieu van der Poel’s Unexpected Idolization of Justin Bieber
Mathieu van der Poel, the Dutch cycling sensation known for his incredible versatility and dominance in road, cyclocross, and mountain biking, has long been admired for his relentless drive and competitive spirit. With a pedigree steeped in cycling greatness—his father, Adri van der Poel, was a champion cyclist, and his grandfather, Raymond Poulidor, was one of the most beloved figures in the sport—Mathieu seemed destined for greatness on two wheels. However, a surprising revelation from his girlfriend, Roxanne Bertels, has unveiled a lesser-known facet of the cycling star’s personality: his admiration for pop icon Justin Bieber.
Roxanne Bertels, who has been by Mathieu’s side for several years, recently shared in an interview a glimpse into the private life of the cycling superstar. Among the usual anecdotes of training regimens, race preparations, and family life, Roxanne let slip a detail that left many fans astonished—Mathieu van der Poel is a dedicated fan of Justin Bieber.
“Mathieu’s passion for cycling is well-known,” Roxanne began, “but what many people don’t know is that he’s also a huge Justin Bieber fan. He has been following Bieber’s music and career for years, and it’s something that really brings him joy outside of the intense world of professional cycling.”
On the surface, the connection between a world-class cyclist and a global pop star may seem unlikely. However, when considering the backgrounds and trajectories of both individuals, some parallels begin to emerge. Both Van der Poel and Bieber have grown up under the intense spotlight of public expectation. Bieber was discovered as a young teenager and quickly rose to global fame, facing immense pressure to succeed in the competitive music industry. Similarly, Van der Poel, born into a family with a rich cycling heritage, was expected to carry on the legacy of his father and grandfather.
This shared experience of growing up in the public eye, coupled with the pressure to excel, might explain Van der Poel’s connection to Bieber’s music. According to Roxanne, Bieber’s songs have often served as a source of inspiration and relaxation for Mathieu during his grueling training sessions and races.
“He listens to Justin’s music before big races,” Roxanne continued. “It helps him to calm his nerves and get into the right mindset. There’s something about the energy and the lyrics that resonates with him.”
The revelation that Van der Poel is a fan of Bieber also underscores a broader narrative about the authenticity of both figures. In a world where public personas are often carefully curated and controlled, it’s refreshing to see a top athlete like Van der Poel embrace a side of himself that might not fit the typical mold of a cycling champion.
Bieber, too, has had his own journey with authenticity, having navigated the highs and lows of fame from a young age. Despite the pressures of the industry, he has remained true to his passions and beliefs, often using his platform to speak out about mental health, faith, and other personal issues. This authenticity is something that fans of both Bieber and Van der Poel can appreciate, as it reminds us that even those who are incredibly successful in their respective fields are still human, with interests and passions that go beyond their public personas.
The cycling community’s reaction to this news has been mixed, with some fans expressing surprise and amusement, while others have embraced this new dimension of Van der Poel’s personality. Social media has been abuzz with memes and comments, with many fans jokingly imagining the cyclist belting out Bieber hits like “Baby” or “Sorry” during his warm-up routines.
However, others have pointed out that Van der Poel’s admiration for Bieber might also help break down stereotypes about athletes and their interests. The image of a tough, battle-hardened cyclist being a fan of a pop star like Bieber challenges the traditional perceptions of masculinity in sports, showing that it’s okay for athletes to have diverse tastes and interests.
As Mathieu van der Poel continues to dominate the cycling world, with his eyes set on more victories in the Tour de France, World Championships, and beyond, fans will undoubtedly view him through a slightly different lens. Knowing that the same athlete who conquers the most challenging climbs and descents in the world also finds joy in the music of Justin Bieber adds a layer of complexity to his public persona.
This revelation also serves as a reminder that the figures we idolize in sports or music are multi-dimensional, with interests and passions that might surprise us. Whether it’s Bieber’s latest album playing in the background of Van der Poel’s training sessions or the pop star himself cheering on the cyclist during a race, this unexpected connection between two global icons is sure to fascinate fans for years to come.
In the end, it’s this blend of determination, authenticity, and a touch of the unexpected that makes Mathieu van der Poel not just a champion on the bike, but a compelling and relatable figure off it as well. And as for Roxanne, her candid revelation has not only brought a smile to the faces of many but also deepened the connection between Van der Poel and his fans, who now see him as not just a cycling prodigy, but also a regular guy with his own set of idols and inspirations.
