Mathieu Van Der Poel, the legendary cyclocross and road cycling champion, has been an inspiration to fans worldwide with his exceptional skills on the bike. As he transitions into retirement, Van Der Poel opens up about his plans for life after cycling, revealing his passion for dancing and a personal venture into the world of winemaking.
From an early age, Van Der Poel has been deeply connected to the world of cycling, a sport he loved and pursued with dedication. However, what many may not know is that his love for cycling wasn’t the only passion that shaped his life. In an interview, Van Der Poel confessed that there was something he had always loved secretly — dancing. “I love dancing,” he admitted. “Right from my childhood, I have loved cycling, but one thing I secretly loved is dancing. It’s something I’ve always cherished.”
For Van Der Poel, cycling and dancing have been integral parts of his life. As he reflects on his career and looks toward his retirement, he has decided to give back to the community by opening a dance academy. His vision for the academy is to teach younger kids how to express themselves through movement, something he believes is both empowering and liberating. “I want to give kids the avenue to showcase their talent to the world,” he said. “I learned how to dance from my mother, so I want to honor her name by passing on this knowledge.”
The dance academy will not only be a place to nurture young talent, but it will also serve as a charitable endeavor. Van Der Poel intends for the academy to be free for all, ensuring that children from all walks of life have the opportunity to develop their dance skills. “The essence of this is to give kids an opportunity and give back to my community,” he explained. With a focus on inclusivity and encouragement, his academy will provide a platform for children to express themselves in ways that go beyond words.
But that’s not all that’s on the horizon for the retired cycling star. Van Der Poel also plans to indulge in a more personal project: owning a small vineyard. “I want to produce wine in small quantities, just for my own use, to experience the process of making something that tastes so good,” he said. This passion project will allow him to explore a different kind of craftsmanship while enjoying the fruits of his labor.
As Van Der Poel steps away from the professional cycling world, it’s clear that his journey will continue to be one of growth, creativity, and giving back. His new ventures into dance and winemaking are just the beginning, and fans are eager to see how these new chapters of his life unfold. “So let’s see how it goes,” he said, with the same quiet confidence that once propelled him across cycling podiums.
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