Cycling World Celebrates as Mathieu van der Poel and Longtime Love Announce Joyful News: First Child on the Way for the Champion Who Conquered Roads, Trails, and Now Fatherhood—A New Chapter Begins for the Dutch Icon On and Off the Bike
Mathieu van der Poel has always lived at full speed. Whether ripping through the cobbles of the Tour of Flanders, climbing cyclocross hills with explosive grit, or bombing down technical mountain bike trails, the Dutch superstar has redefined versatility, elegance, and brutality on two wheels. But as the 29-year-old phenom shared the joyous news that he and longtime girlfriend Roxanne Bertels are expecting their first child, fans around the world are beginning to witness the dawn of a new era—one that will not be measured solely by victories or rainbow jerseys, but by the profound journey of fatherhood.
In a heartfelt social media post accompanied by a photo of the couple holding a tiny pair of baby shoes beside van der Poel’s bike, the message was clear: “Our greatest adventure is just beginning. Baby van der Poel on the way.” Within minutes, the post went viral. Fellow riders, teams, fans, and even former rivals flooded the comment sections with congratulations, emojis, and heartfelt tributes to the man whose story had already inspired millions. Now, that story is evolving.
This milestone marks more than a personal moment—it signals a cultural shift in how athletes of van der Poel’s stature are embraced, not just for their dominance, but for their humanity. A new lens is opening up to view the Dutch legend—not just as a race-winning machine, but as a soon-to-be father, a partner, and a man ready to navigate the next mountain: family life.
The Man Behind the Machine
Mathieu van der Poel’s career arc is already mythic. Born into a cycling dynasty—son of Dutch great Adrie van der Poel and grandson of Raymond Poulidor, the eternal second of the Tour de France—expectation was always going to ride close on his wheel. But Mathieu didn’t just live up to the legacy. He torched it. By his early twenties, he had become a world champion in cyclocross, claimed multiple World Cup wins in mountain biking, and was beginning to reshape the classics season in his image on the road.
He’s not a specialist—he’s a generalist who happens to be a master of everything.
Fans have long admired his ability to switch seamlessly between disciplines. One day he’s sprinting for the win in Milan–San Remo, the next he’s covered in mud at a muddy World Cup cross race. The question has never been whether van der Poel would win, but how he’d do it. His attacks are timed with poetic violence. His tactics often defy convention. And his joy in racing—his sheer love of competition—radiates even in the most grueling moments.
But for all his public bravado and sporting accomplishments, van der Poel has been remarkably private about his personal life. For years, he has quietly shared a relationship with Roxanne Bertels, a Belgian businesswoman and former Miss Belgium contestant. Their bond, often captured in fleeting behind-the-scenes moments, reflects a grounded, nurturing partnership built not on spectacle but on shared values and deep trust.
A Family Man in the Making
Friends and insiders have noted that van der Poel’s off-bike life has always been sacred to him. Despite the celebrity that comes with being a globally recognized athlete, he has kept his relationship relatively low-key—no reality TV appearances, no high-profile controversies, just a quiet sense of commitment. And that commitment now grows, literally, as he prepares for fatherhood.
It’s a transformation that has touched many cycling legends before him. Fabian Cancellara once remarked that becoming a father gave him an entirely new sense of purpose and calm. Chris Froome, who famously won the Tour while away from his newborn, described fatherhood as “the most beautiful stage of life.” And now, van der Poel joins that lineage of riders who carry more than just the pressure of performance—they carry the responsibility of shaping a new life.
Already, fans are wondering what kind of father van der Poel will be. Will he teach his child to ride a bike before they can walk? Will they grow up at cyclocross races and Tour de France stages? Will he pull back on racing to focus on family—or will this new chapter fuel him to ride with even more heart?
If history is any indication, van der Poel will bring the same determination and passion to parenthood that he brings to every finish line.
The Timing of the Announcement
The news comes at a unique time in van der Poel’s career. He is fresh off a historic 2024 season, where he claimed both the Tour of Flanders and Paris–Roubaix in stunning fashion. He also wore the rainbow jersey of the road world champion for much of the year, symbolizing his dominance and maturity as a rider.
With the Olympics on the horizon and rumors swirling about a possible return to mountain biking at elite level, van der Poel’s schedule remains as ambitious as ever. But the timing of the pregnancy news has led some to speculate that 2025 could be a transitional year for him. Will he step back from the grueling triple-discipline schedule? Or will he channel this new energy into making one final push toward Olympic gold?
Whatever the decision, it will be made with his growing family in mind.
The Cycling Community Reacts
The outpouring of love from the cycling world was immediate and heartfelt. Wout van Aert, van der Poel’s longtime rival and occasional training partner, wrote on Instagram: “He’s already a champion, but now he’s going to be a dad—that’s the real podium. Congratulations, mate.”
Dutch Cycling Federation president Marijn de Vries released a statement calling van der Poel “a model of inspiration, both on and off the bike. We are thrilled for him and Roxanne. The next generation of Dutch cycling just got a new fan in the making.”
Team Alpecin-Deceuninck, van der Poel’s long-time home, also shared a custom illustration of a tiny tricycle bearing the number “1” with rainbow stripes, alongside the caption: “From world champion to world’s best dad? Let’s go!”
Even rival teams like Visma | Lease a Bike and INEOS Grenadiers offered their congratulations, showing that van der Poel’s popularity transcends jersey colors.
The Future of a Champion
What does the future hold for Mathieu van der Poel now?
Many expect that fatherhood will only deepen his understanding of legacy—something that has always loomed large in his story. His grandfather, Poulidor, was adored by generations for his humility and perseverance. His father, Adrie, taught him the nuances of the sport. Now, Mathieu begins to craft a legacy of his own, not just in cycling history books, but in the life of his child.
For now, he remains focused. His training continues, his goals remain high, and his name is still synonymous with brilliance. But behind the scenes, things are changing. There will be sleepless nights. There will be baby bottles next to his energy drinks. There will be toys packed next to spare tires in the team bus.
And when that child is old enough to understand, they’ll realize something extraordinary: their father was not just one of the most talented cyclists of his generation—he was a man who embraced change, prioritized love, and pedaled headfirst into the unknown with courage and joy.
Final Thoughts
Mathieu van der Poel’s story has never followed a conventional path. He became a champion across multiple disciplines. He shattered assumptions about what cyclists could achieve. He blended elegance with aggression, instinct with strategy. Now, as he turns the page to a new chapter as a father, the cycling world watches with admiration and anticipation.
Because sometimes the most powerful ride isn’t the one that ends with a victory salute—it’s the one that begins with a tiny heartbeat.
Congratulations, Mathieu and Roxanne. The adventure has only just begun.
