"I make mine happiest with a day of golf": Roxanne Bertels opens up on life alongside Mathieu van der Poel during Tour visit
Cycling
Roxanne Bertels, the partner of Mathieu van der Poel, paid a visit to the Tour de France this week and offered a glimpse into life as the partner of one of cycling's biggest stars.
Appearing on Belgian television programme Vive le Vélo alongside the partners of Jasper Philipsen and Jonas Rickaert, Bertels reflected on the support role she plays away from the spotlight and revealed what makes the Alpecin-Premier Tech rider happiest outside of racing.
Living with a professional athlete
Asked whether the cliché that every successful athlete has a strong woman behind him is true, Bertels agreed that offering support is an important part of the relationship. "We try to be there," she said.
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However, she explained that knowing how to help often depends on the situation. "Sometimes it's better to say nothing," Bertels added with a smile.
She also dismissed the idea that being in a relationship with a professional cyclist is fundamentally different from being with someone in any other demanding profession. "Whether you're with a cyclist, a lawyer or a doctor, it's expected that you stand behind your man. It's nice to be able to take care of someone."
Golf is the key to Van der Poel's happiness
The conversation also turned to what the riders enjoy most away from the pressures of competition. When asked what makes Van der Poel happiest, Bertels had a straightforward answer. "I make mine happiest with a day of golf," she laughed.
The interview comes just weeks after Bertels and Van der Poel announced that they are expecting their first child together. The couple revealed at the end of June that they are due to welcome their baby in January 2027
Van der Poel has already enjoyed a strong 2026 campaign, winning Omloop Het Nieuwsblad, E3 Saxo Classic and two stages of Tirreno-Adriatico. He also finished second at the Tour of Flanders behind Tadej Pogacar and fourth at Paris-Roubaix after mechanical problems disrupted his bid for another cobbled Monument victory.
Félix SernaCycling Journalist
Félix Serna is a writer at CyclingUpToDate and has been part of the team since 2025. He covers professional cycling across both the men’s and women’s calendars, with a focus on UCI rankings, race developments, and rider performance. His work includes interview-based reports, liveblogs, and tournament coverage designed to provide clear, accurate context throughout the season.
In his reporting, Félix regularly uses ProCyclingStats for results, statistics, and historical reference. He places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. He holds a bachelor’s degree in International Studies.
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