Mathieu van der Poel, at just 29 years old, has nearly achieved everything a cyclist can dream of. His career accolades include victories in some of the most prestigious events in cycling: the World Championships, Milan-San Remo, Paris-Roubaix (twice), and the Tour of Flanders (three times). He has also claimed stage wins in the Tour de France and the Giro d’Italia. His dominance extends beyond road racing; van der Poel is a six-time cyclo-cross world champion and has also made a mark in mountain biking, showcasing his versatility across multiple cycling disciplines.

Born in Belgium to a French mother and a Dutch father, van der Poel races under the Dutch flag, representing his father’s homeland. His cycling lineage is deeply rooted in history. His maternal grandfather, Raymond Poulidor, was a legendary figure in French cycling, known as “the Eternal Second” for his three second-place finishes in the Tour de France and five third-place finishes. Poulidor’s legacy is celebrated in French cycling lore, and he passed away in 2019, leaving behind a storied career that Mathieu continues to honor.

In 2021, Mathieu van der Poel’s team paid homage to Poulidor during the Tour de France by donning a special purple and yellow kit for the opening stage. These colors were a nod to the Mercier-BP-Hutchinson team that Poulidor raced for, symbolizing a tribute to the grandfather’s enduring impact on the sport.

Van der Poel’s achievements mirror those of Poulidor in remarkable ways. Both have won Milan-San Remo and recorded stage wins at the Tour de France, albeit 50 years apart. This connection not only highlights the continuity of excellence in the van der Poel family but also underscores Mathieu’s place in a lineage of cycling greatness. With a career still in full swing, Mathieu van der Poel continues to build on this illustrious legacy, adding new chapters to a storied family tradition.