Dutch Coach Reacts to Double Gold at Gravel World Championships: “Mathieu and Marianne Are Such Top Athletes”
The 2024 UCI Gravel World Championships in Italy became a historic event for Dutch cycling as two of the Netherlands’ most decorated cyclists, Mathieu van der Poel and Marianne Vos, clinched double gold for their country. It was a stunning display of skill, endurance, and tactical mastery, further cementing their status as two of the greatest multi-discipline cyclists of their generation. The Dutch coach, ecstatic with their performances, hailed the pair as “truly top athletes,” a statement that speaks to the extraordinary talent and dedication both riders have shown over the years.
A Momentous Achievement for Dutch Cycling
Mathieu van der Poel and Marianne Vos are no strangers to the top step of the podium, but their victories at the Gravel World Championships carried special significance. Gravel racing, a relatively new discipline within the world of competitive cycling, has rapidly gained popularity for its challenging courses, which combine elements of road and off-road racing. Winning in this demanding format requires not only physical strength and endurance but also exceptional bike-handling skills and the ability to adapt to constantly changing terrain.
Van der Poel and Vos, both known for their versatility across different cycling disciplines, including road racing, cyclo-cross, and mountain biking, rose to the occasion at the Gravel World Championships. The Dutch coach, in a post-race interview, could not hide his pride. “Mathieu and Marianne have once again shown why they are at the pinnacle of cycling,” he said. “They are not only incredibly talented athletes, but their ability to switch between different disciplines and dominate in each is something we don’t see very often in the sport.”
Mathieu van der Poel: A Masterclass in Gravel Racing
Mathieu van der Poel’s victory in the men’s elite race was nothing short of spectacular. Coming off a remarkable season in which he already claimed victories in road racing and mountain biking, van der Poel’s triumph in gravel racing further showcased his adaptability and sheer determination.
The men’s race took place over a punishing 200-kilometer course that featured everything from steep climbs and fast descents to technical gravel sections that tested the riders’ bike-handling skills. Van der Poel, known for his explosive power and aggressive racing style, attacked at the right moments, breaking away from a strong field of competitors. His ability to navigate the rough gravel terrain with ease and maintain a blistering pace on the climbs left his rivals struggling to keep up.
Speaking after the race, van der Poel reflected on the significance of his win. “This is a special victory for me,” he said. “Gravel racing is still a relatively new discipline, but it’s growing fast, and I’m proud to have added this title to my collection. It’s a tough race—physically and mentally—and you have to be prepared for anything.”
His coach echoed those sentiments, praising van der Poel’s tactical acumen and bike-handling skills. “Mathieu knows how to read a race like no one else,” the coach remarked. “He can sense when it’s the right time to attack, and his technical ability on the bike is second to none. The way he handled the gravel sections today was just incredible.”
Marianne Vos: Dominating the Women’s Race
If van der Poel’s victory in the men’s race was impressive, Marianne Vos’ performance in the women’s elite race was equally awe-inspiring. Vos, widely regarded as one of the greatest female cyclists of all time, added yet another world title to her already stacked resume. Having won world titles in road racing, cyclo-cross, and track cycling, Vos’ gravel victory further showcased her versatility and incredible longevity in the sport.
The women’s race, covering a similarly challenging course, saw Vos demonstrate her typical dominance. She attacked early, forcing a select group of riders to chase, but her relentless pace on the gravel and her superior endurance gradually wore down her competitors. By the final kilometers, Vos had built a substantial lead, allowing her to cross the finish line solo, with a smile on her face.
For Vos, winning the Gravel World Championships was a new milestone in an already legendary career. “I’m so happy to win this title,” Vos said after the race. “Gravel racing is a new challenge, and I’ve really enjoyed racing in this discipline. It’s different from road and cyclo-cross, but in many ways, it suits my style of riding. I love the adventure and the unpredictability of it.”
The Dutch coach was effusive in his praise of Vos, calling her “a once-in-a-generation athlete.” He highlighted her consistency across multiple disciplines and her ability to perform at the highest level for so many years. “What Marianne has done throughout her career is just phenomenal,” he said. “To see her continue to dominate in a new discipline like gravel racing speaks to her incredible work ethic and passion for the sport. She’s an inspiration to everyone, not just in cycling but in all of sports.”
The Legacy of Van der Poel and Vos
For both Mathieu van der Poel and Marianne Vos, their victories at the 2024 Gravel World Championships are just the latest achievements in careers filled with success across various forms of cycling. Van der Poel, at 29 years old, is still in the prime of his career and shows no signs of slowing down. His ability to compete—and win—at the highest levels in road racing, cyclo-cross, mountain biking, and now gravel racing places him among the most versatile cyclists in the history of the sport.
Meanwhile, Marianne Vos, who has been a dominant force in women’s cycling for nearly two decades, continues to defy expectations. At 37 years old, she remains one of the best cyclists in the world, capable of winning in almost any discipline she chooses to focus on. Her victory in the Gravel World Championships adds yet another chapter to her already legendary career.
The Dutch coach emphasized how rare it is to have two athletes of this caliber representing the same country at the same time. “Mathieu and Marianne are both once-in-a-lifetime talents,” he said. “We are incredibly fortunate to have them on Team Netherlands. Their victories today are not just a testament to their individual abilities, but also to the strength of Dutch cycling as a whole.”
The Future of Gravel Racing
As gravel racing continues to grow in popularity, the performances of riders like Mathieu van der Poel and Marianne Vos will help elevate the sport to new heights. Their victories at the 2024 Gravel World Championships have brought increased attention to this emerging discipline, and their participation has legitimized gravel racing as a platform for the world’s top cyclists to compete.
For van der Poel, gravel racing represents yet another avenue for him to explore his full potential as a cyclist. While his focus will likely remain on road racing and cyclo-cross, his success in gravel could inspire more top-level road cyclists to try their hand at this burgeoning discipline.
As for Vos, gravel racing may be another exciting chapter in her storied career. Having already conquered the road, cyclo-cross, and track, gravel racing offers a fresh challenge for the veteran rider. With her natural ability to adapt to different forms of racing, it wouldn’t be surprising to see Vos continue to excel in this new discipline for years to come.
A Proud Day for Dutch Cycling
The double gold medals won by Mathieu van der Poel and Marianne Vos at the 2024 Gravel World Championships represent a proud moment for Dutch cycling. Their victories not only highlight their immense talent and versatility but also serve as an inspiration for future generations of cyclists. The Dutch coach summed it up best when he said, “Today is a celebration of Dutch cycling. Mathieu and Marianne have shown the world what true champions look like, and we couldn’t be prouder of their achievements.”
