Mathieu Van der Poel claimed an emotional victory on Stage 2 of the Tour de France, securing the yellow jersey that his family had long dreamed of. The Dutch rider delivered a masterful performance on the Mur-de-Bretagne, dedicating his win to his late grandfather, Raymond Poulidor, one of the great legends of the Tour who, despite multiple podium finishes, never wore the prestigious jersey himself.
Van der Poel, making his Tour debut, executed a flawless strategy, attacking on the first ascent to claim vital bonus seconds before launching a decisive move in the final 700 meters. As he crossed the finish line, he pointed to the sky in tribute to Poulidor, who passed away in 2019. Overcome with emotion, the 26-year-old collapsed in tears as he processed the significance of his achievement.
“I have no words, I don’t know what to say,” Van der Poel said in his post-race interview. “I gambled everything because I knew I needed the bonus seconds to take the yellow jersey. It was my last chance, and it’s incredible. I’m thinking of my grandad, of course.”
Honoring a Family Legacy
Poulidor was one of the most beloved figures in Tour de France history, known for his consistent performances despite racing in an era dominated by Jacques Anquetil and Eddy Merckx. Though he never wore yellow, he finished second overall three times and third five times, earning the affectionate nickname “The Eternal Second.”
His grandson has now achieved what Poulidor never could, and in just his second day of racing in the Tour de France. Van der Poel’s victory not only honored his family’s cycling legacy but also marked him as a serious contender in this year’s race.
Race Implications
With his stage victory, Van der Poel took the overall lead by eight seconds ahead of Julian Alaphilippe, while Tour favorites Tadej Pogačar and Primož Roglič sit third and fourth, five and six seconds back, respectively. Both Slovenians showcased their strength by finishing second and third on the stage, confirming their status as the primary contenders for overall victory in Paris.
Meanwhile, it was a disappointing day for 2018 Tour winner Geraint Thomas, who struggled on the final climb and lost 23 seconds to the stage winner. His teammate Richard Carapaz finished closer to the leaders and now emerges as the top-ranked rider for Ineos Grenadiers, sitting in 18th place overall, 31 seconds off the lead.
Looking Ahead
As the race continues, Van der Poel will look to defend his yellow jersey in the coming stages, particularly in Monday’s expected sprint finish in Pontivy. The Alpecin-Fenix rider reflected on his emotional win, saying, “The last 500 meters were really painful, but I just had to keep going. To wear this jersey means the world to me. Unfortunately, my grandad is not here anymore, but I can only imagine how proud he would be.”
His victory stands as a powerful tribute to Poulidor’s legacy, proving that cycling greatness runs in the family.
