Mathieu van der Poel, the world-renowned cyclist known for his incredible versatility across road cycling, cyclocross, and mountain biking, recently opened up about his past struggles with bullying. In a rare and heartfelt interview, he shared how these difficult experiences shaped him and how his grandfather, the legendary Raymond Poulidor, played a crucial role in helping him overcome them.
Facing Bullies as a Young Athlete
Growing up in a family of cycling greats, expectations were always high for van der Poel. His father, Adri van der Poel, was a successful professional cyclist, and his grandfather, Raymond Poulidor, was one of the most beloved figures in cycling history. However, this legacy didn’t shield him from the cruelty of childhood bullying.
As a young boy, Mathieu was often targeted by peers who resented his family’s fame. Some saw him as privileged, assuming his success was handed to him rather than earned. Others simply picked on him for being different, especially when his dedication to training and competition set him apart from his classmates. The pressure to live up to his family name only made things harder.
“I wasn’t the most social kid,” van der Poel admitted. “I spent a lot of time training and focusing on cycling, and some people didn’t understand that. They saw it as arrogance or thought I was trying to be better than them.”
Raymond Poulidor’s Words of Wisdom
During these tough times, his grandfather, Raymond Poulidor, became a pillar of strength. Poulidor, affectionately known as the “Eternal Second” for his many near-wins in the Tour de France, knew a thing or two about resilience. Despite never winning the Tour, he remained one of the sport’s most beloved figures, admired for his perseverance and humility.
“Papy always told me that success isn’t about proving others wrong but about proving yourself right,” van der Poel shared. “He never let criticism or setbacks define him, and he taught me to do the same.”
Poulidor reminded his grandson that people would always have opinions, but true character is built in how one responds. Instead of letting the bullies get to him, Mathieu learned to focus on his passion and let his performance speak for itself.
Turning Pain into Strength
As van der Poel grew older, his mindset shifted. He channeled his frustrations into training, using every negative comment as fuel to push himself further. Over time, the bullying faded, and his results silenced the doubters. Today, he stands as one of the most dominant cyclists of his generation, winning prestigious races like the Tour of Flanders, Paris-Roubaix, and the World Championships.
Looking back, van der Poel acknowledges that those experiences helped shape him into the competitor he is today. “It wasn’t easy, but I’m grateful for the lessons it taught me. And I owe so much to my grandfather for showing me the way.”
Through adversity, Mathieu van der Poel found strength, proving that resilience and determination can turn even the darkest moments into stepping stones toward greatness.
