"Cycling will always be dangerous" - Mathieu van der Poel on the risks of the sport and its evolution

Mathieu van der Poel has now been in the peloton for close to a decade and has experienced first-hand how racing has gotten more dangerous. In a recent interview, he has argued that the sport will always have danger associated with it; and has also discussed his love for Spain, his second home.

"It's my second home, but it's getting closer and closer to being my first. I spend a lot of time here training, but also enjoying myself, so I've found a great place for myself here," the Dutchman said in words to AS.

In 2023 the Dutchman began spending most of his time by the Mediterranean sea, living close to Calpe as is the case with Remco Evenepoel. The good and consistent weather throughout the winter, the calmer roads and the availability of both flat and mountainous terrain very close made it an ideal choice.

It is not by chance that it is in the same area that most top teams hold training camps on during the winter, whilst his good health and ability to train unhindered by the weather has allowed him to evolve further in the past few years. For the Dutchman, it is a perfect life balance that he has found in the area.

"Go out with friends, have some quiet time, like right now, and meet up for lunch or coffee," he names as things he enjoys in the Costa Blanca. "I love the food and tapas. When I settled here with my partner a few years ago, we talked about spending a lot of time here after I stop competing. I also enjoy playing golf. Sometimes you have to disconnect from cycling".

This love for Spain means he will at some point race the Vuelta a España. "Yes. Definitely. 100%. Doing all the disciplines takes up a large part of my year, which is why I've never been involved, but it's something I'll do before I finish my career".

He was rumoured recently to potentially take on the Traka gravel race in Girona, but dismisses it. "I read it, but it's not true. I was there these past few days with my friend Freddy Ovett, and it's incredible how beautiful gravel riding is, but I won't be there," he explained. "At least not this year".

As an off-road specialist, van der Poel has always had extraordinary bike handling skills, which are part of his success as a pro cyclist - avoiding crashes, saving energy and finding the right positioning comfortably. However, he understands that the sport is becoming more dangerous, part of it being because of the higher speeds that the races are being taken at.

"Cyclists are going faster and faster, and some places aren't designed for it. Measures and precautions need to be taken, although it's obvious, unfortunately, that a sport like cycling will always be dangerous".