ANALYSIS | Mathieu van der Poel turns 30: What are five of his best moments so far?

As Mathieu van der Poel celebrates his 30th birthday today, the cycling world reflects on an extraordinary career that already places the Dutchman among the greatest riders of all time. With a remarkable versatility that has seen him conquer multiple disciplines, Van der Poel has built a legacy that few can rival, and yet there is every expectation that his best might still be to come.

He has won six cyclocross world championships, a road world title, and a gravel world championship, highlighting his unmatched all-round capabilities. He is just one title shy of equalling the record for most cyclocross world titles, a feat he could achieve early next month. He has also claimed six Monuments and donned the yellow jersey during his debut Tour de France in 2021. With 54 UCI race victories to his name, Van der Poel’s career has been nothing short of extraordinary, and he could still be operating at the top of his game for a while yet.

Mathieu van der Poel’s influence on modern cycling extends beyond his individual achievements. His aggressive racing style, willingness to take risks, and relentless pursuit of victory have made him one of the most entertaining riders to watch since he first burst onto the scene. Fans and competitors alike marvel at his ability to dominate across multiple disciplines, showcasing a level of adaptability rarely seen in professional cycling.

To celebrate his milestone birthday, here are five of the most iconic moments from his career so far.

The spring of 2024 marked Van der Poel’s crowning as the undisputed king of the cobbles. In a span of just two weekends, he claimed two of cycling’s most prestigious titles: the Tour of Flanders and Paris-Roubaix.

At the Tour of Flanders, Van der Poel delivered a stunning performance to win his fifth Monument. Known for his brilliance in the wet and sheer strength, he outclassed his rivals with a decisive move where he left his rivals in the dust as they could not much his speed on the cobbles. Just a week later, he secured victory at Paris-Roubaix with a dominant solo attack 60 kilometres from the finish, where he broke the record for the fastest Roubaix for the second year in a row. It was a masterclass of skill and bike handling on the most difficult of terrain, with Van der Poel proving that his ability is unmatched on the cobbles.

The significance of achieving this double cannot be overstated. Few riders in the history of cycling have managed to win both races in the same season, and Van der Poel did so with a level of dominance that left fans and pundits in awe. His performances not only solidified his reputation as a cobbled classics specialist but also as one of the most formidable competitors of his generation.

The 2023 UCI Road World Championships in Glasgow offered another unforgettable chapter in Van der Poel’s career, and was perhaps the highlight so far. Despite a crash, he battled on to deliver a sensational solo victory. It was a testament to his raw power on a course that played beautifully to his strengths, as the Dutchman finally got his hands on a rainbow jersey for the road.

His triumph in Glasgow added a road world title to his already glittering collection, as he beat Wout van Aert and Tadej Pogacar into second and third place. The challenging urban course required technical skill, endurance, and strategic brilliance, all of which Van der Poel displayed in abundance. Some may have thought it was over when he crashed out, but not Van der Poel. We’ve got no doubt this is one Van der Poel’s favourite wins so far.

Milano-Sanremo is one of cycling’s most prestigious and challenging Monuments, and Van der Poel conquered it in 2023. With an explosive attack on the Poggio di Sanremo, he created an unassailable gap and powered to victory in style, 62 years after his grandfather Raymond Poulidor won the race.

His performance was a perfect demonstration of his ability to combine tactical brilliance with raw power, leaving his competitors trailing in his wake by attacking at exactly the right moment. As he crossed the finish line, Van der Poel added yet another Monument to his collection, and this time one not on the cobbles, reinforcing his status as one of the most complete riders in history.

Milano-Sanremo’s unique demands, its immense length and the decisive climbs near the finish, make it a race that only the most well-rounded riders can win. Even Tadej Pogacar, so far, has been unable to pick up a win at the first monument of the year. Van der Poel’s victory highlighted his exceptional endurance and racing intelligence, as he timed his attack to perfection.

Van der Poel’s debut Tour de France in 2021 was nothing short of magical. In the second stage, he claimed a dramatic victory, which also secured him the iconic maillot jaune. It was a deeply emotional moment for Van der Poel, as he dedicated the win to his late grandfather, Raymond Poulidor, a cycling legend who famously never wore yellow during his illustrious career. Van der Poel held the yellow jersey for six consecutive days, a remarkable achievement for a debutant, and demonstrated his grit and strength across different stages.

The emotional weight of this achievement resonated across the cycling world, especially as an emotional Van der Poel teared up in the post race interview. Van der Poel’s presence in the yellow jersey brought a sense of history and continuity to the Tour, honouring his family’s legacy while forging his own.

The 2019 Amstel Gold Race is perhaps the most iconic single-day victory of Van der Poel’s career. In a race that seemed all but lost, he pulled off a miraculous comeback in the final kilometres. Trailing the leaders with just a few kilometres to go, Van der Poel orchestrated a dramatic chase with relentless power, bridging the gap and sprinting to an extraordinary victory.

The effort required to achieve such a feat was captured in his Strava data, which revealed mind-blowing statistics, including an average power of 366 watts over the entire race. It was a victory that will be remembered as one of the greatest in cycling history.

The drama of that race, combined with Van der Poel’s extraordinary physical output, has made his Amstel Gold Race triumph a defining moment in his career. It showcased his ability to overcome the odds and deliver when it matters most, and it is definitely a race you should re-watch if you get the chance!

As Van der Poel turns 30, it’s clear that his career has already reached unprecedented heights. From his dominance in cyclocross to his victories in the Monuments and his success on the world stage, he has established himself as one of the most versatile and exciting cyclists of all time. With the potential to win more world titles, Monuments, and Grand Tour stages, the Alpecin-Deceuninck rider’s journey is far from over. Could he even pick up a rainbow jersey in mountain biking?

Van der Poel’s impact goes beyond his results. He has inspired a new generation of cyclists with his fearless approach to racing, showing that it is possible to excel across multiple disciplines. His rivalry with Wout van Aert has also elevated the sport, creating some of the most memorable moments in recent cycling history.

Cycling fans can only look forward to what’s next for this extraordinary athlete as he continues to redefine what is possible in the sport. Happy 30th birthday, Mathieu van der Poel!