mathieu van der Poel, a name synonymous with cycling excellence, isn’t slowing down. The 29-year-old Dutch cyclist, already a champion in road racing and cyclo-cross, has his sights set on conquering the world of mountain biking.His remarkable resume includes a stunning solo win at Paris-Roubaix, adding to his victory at Milano–Sanremo in the same season. [[1]] But for van der Poel, the thrill of competition isn’t over.
While he’s dominated the road, van der Poel’s heart remains in mountain biking. He openly admits his desire to add a world championship title to his collection. “If I could choose, I would like to become mountain bike world champion this year,” he stated in a recent interview. “I haven’t succeeded yet and it continues to play in the back of my mind. I hope that I can achieve this one day.”
Van der Poel’s dedication to the sport is undeniable. He’s proven his versatility, competing at the highest levels across multiple disciplines.Even though his focus has shifted towards road racing in recent years, his mountain biking ambitions remain strong. He’s a rider who consistently pushes his limits,a testament to his unwavering commitment to excellence.
His ultimate goal? Olympic gold. “I only have one chance for that: Los Angeles 2028,” he explained, referring to the upcoming Olympic Games. “LA will almost certainly be the last Games I will participate in.” He envisions a fitting end to his career, potentially culminating in an Olympic victory on his mountain bike. “It would be great to maybe try to finish on a mountain bike in Los Angeles,” he shared. “I’m certainly not going to continue racing until I’m 40.I think it’s vital to stop at a high point or at a point you can make peace with. Sometimes you see that riders continue to ride for too long,which slightly detracts from the list of honors they have achieved together.”
But van der Poel’s competitive spirit extends beyond the finish line. He’s already looking ahead to life after cycling. “I am sure that I will stop in time and not muddle through,” he confidently asserted. “What am I going to do next? I’m sure I won’t be bored. There are so many fun things besides cycling. I’m looking forward to that too. There are still plenty of challenges.”
Van der Poel’s story is one of dedication,ambition,and a relentless pursuit of excellence. His journey, from cyclo-cross to road racing and now mountain biking, inspires athletes and fans alike. His future endeavors, whether on a bike or beyond, are sure to be just as captivating.
Mathieu van der Poel: Mountain Biking Domination and Olympic Gold Aspirations
Senior Editor: Welcome back to World Today News! Today, we have a special guest, cycling expert and commentator, Chloe Harding, to discuss the exciting ambitions of cycling superstar Mathieu van der Poel. Chloe, thanks so much for joining us!
Chloe Harding:It’s a pleasure to be here! I’m always happy to talk about Mathieu van der Poel.He’s such a phenomenal athlete, and I think his recent statements about focusing on mountain biking and the Olympics are truly fascinating.
Senior Editor: Absolutely. he’s already conquered road racing with stunning victories at Paris-Roubaix and Milano–Sanremo. It seems his heart belongs to mountain biking. What are your thoughts on his stated desire to become Mountain bike World Champion?
Chloe Harding: It’s no surprise that he wants that title. Even with his phenomenal success on the road, “MVDP” has always maintained a strong passion for mountain biking. he’s incredibly versatile and capable across disciplines, and I think a world championship title would cement his legacy as one of cycling’s greatest.
Senior Editor: He clearly has a very specific goal: Olympic gold in Los Angeles 2028. That’s quite a statement considering that would be 7 years from now.
Chloe Harding: It speaks to his ambition and forward-thinking nature. he knows that achieving Olympic glory on the mountain bike requires years of dedicated readiness. 2028 will likely be his last Games, and he’s aiming for a perfect conclusion to his career.
senior Editor: It’s impressive that he’s already considering what comes after his cycling career. Not many athletes plan for that transition so proactively.
Chloe Harding: He definitely has his head on straight. You can tell he’s someone who values balance. He’s mentioned wanting to avoid continuing too long and tarnishing his legacy, which is admirable. It’s refreshing to hear an athlete speak so candidly about their future.
Senior Editor: So, do you think he’ll achieve these goals? Mountain biking is a fiercely competitive sport.
Chloe Harding: Absolutely, the competition is intense. But Mathieu van der Poel is a force to be reckoned with. He’s incredibly talented, driven, and willing to push his limits. If anyone can pull it off, it’s him. I’ll be watching him closely these next few years, and I wouldn’t bet against him.
Senior Editor: Well said, Chloe.This is going to be exciting to watch unfold. Thank you so much for sharing your insights with us today!
chloe Harding: My pleasure! Always happy to talk about cycling.
