"When you start training in a jersey like that, you realize just how special it is" - Mathieu van der Poel on the career changes the rainbow jersey has brought
Cycling
Mathieu van der Poel resumed racing at the Bretagne Classic. With no pressure, the Dutchman will now take on a few races to end his season on the road, but with all of his goals accomplished. He talks about the feelings that come with the rainbow stripes he now carries.
"I spent a few days with friends in Marbella. Did I have a good time in the Spanish party town? Well, it wasn't too shabby. It was only a brief three-day getaway," the World Champion told In de Leiderstrui. Asked if he is afraid of the 'rainbow curse', the Dutchman is not too stressed about it: "No, I'm definitely not afraid of that. And even if that curse exists, it'll catch me while I'm wearing a beautiful rainbow jersey. I'll gladly take that!"
Winner of Milano-Sanremo, Paris-Roubaix and the Worlds, it would've been hard to imagine such success despite his evident quality. He reached his best form in the moments where it mattered the most, however he doesn't hide that he's also experienced disappointments.
Although his compatriots scored enough points to succeed, van der Poel himself was expected to race the XCO World Championships and fight for the spot he needs to be part of the Olympic Games race. He crashed out in the first lap of the race, a dramatic end to his stint in the discipline: "It does stay with you for a bit, of course. But fortunately, it didn't last too long. I had a few days of self-reflection."
Ultimately the situation did have a happy ending, and he does not need to feel sorry for the mistake. Next season it is not known how he will manage so many goals, but for the time being he can relax.
Although he admits that he will be extra motivated to train after acquiring an equipment that has not match in the peloton. "When you start training in a jersey like that, you realize just how special it is. I'm even more motivated now to showcase even more remarkable achievements."
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Rúben SilvaEditor-in-Chief
A founding contributor to CyclingUpToDate since its launch in January 2022, Ruben Silva has played a central role in shaping the site’s editorial direction and long-term growth. Before joining the project, he built his experience through independent blogging at Echelons Hub and by producing race previews for Ciclismo Internacional, developing a strong analytical voice rooted in daily engagement with professional cycling.
Beyond editorial work, he has been closely involved in the expansion and coordination of CyclingUpToDate’s wider network, helping establish and support sister platforms across multiple languages. This includes ongoing collaboration with CiclismoAlDia (Spanish), CiclismoAtual (Portuguese), WielrennenUpToDate (Dutch), and RadsportAktuell (German), contributing to a shared editorial vision and consistent international coverage.
He also helps oversee editorial governance across the network, setting standards for accuracy and consistency and coordinating updates or corrections when needed.
Originally from the Porto metropolitan area in Portugal, he holds a bachelor’s degree in Geography. His path into cycling journalism was shaped not through formal media training, but through independent reporting, community engagement, and sustained on-the-ground involvement in the sport.
Over the course of his career, he has conducted approximately 100 interviews across road cycling and cyclocross, ranging from one-to-one conversations and online formats to press conferences and on-site pre- and post-race coverage. His interviews include leading riders, team managers, and prominent figures within cycling media: Tadej Pogacar, Jonas Vingegaard, Mathieu van der Poel, Primoz Roglic, Wout van Aert, Joao Almeida and Tom Pidcock; managers like Patrick Lefevere and Joxean Matxin; and YouTube personality Bryan Kennedy (BKXC)...
Within 18 months of launch, he helped grow CyclingUpToDate’s English-language platform into one of the most-read cycling news websites, built entirely from the ground up. As both a professional journalist and lifelong cycling enthusiast, his focus remains on delivering accurate, timely, and well-contextualized coverage.
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