Mathieu van der Poel, the Dutch cycling sensation known for his dominance in road racing, cyclocross, and mountain biking, is no stranger to the spotlight. His thrilling victories and impressive achievements have earned him a global fanbase. Yet, behind the scenes, van der Poel’s personal life holds a deeply significant chapter, particularly his relationship with his girlfriend, Roxanne. Recently, the cyclist opened up about how he first met her and the journey that led to them becoming a couple.
Van der Poel’s first encounter with Roxanne happened in a rather unassuming and casual setting. It wasn’t during a race or an event, but at a friend’s social gathering. “It was a pretty relaxed environment,” van der Poel recalled with a smile. “I didn’t expect anything extraordinary, but there was something special about her from the very beginning.” In that moment, Mathieu felt an instant connection, though it took him by surprise. “I wasn’t looking for anything at the time, but when I met Roxanne, I knew there was something different about her.”
Their initial conversation flowed easily, and van der Poel quickly realized that there was a natural chemistry between them. “We talked for hours that night. There was no pressure, no expectations, just two people getting to know each other,” he explained. Despite being surrounded by friends, Mathieu’s attention was solely on Roxanne. It was clear to him that there was something unique about the connection they shared.
As their relationship developed, it wasn’t long before they started spending more time together, and what started as a casual meeting soon blossomed into a strong bond. Van der Poel admitted that it felt like the relationship had a natural progression. “We both felt that the more we got to know each other, the more we connected,” he said. “It was easy. It just made sense.”
For the professional cyclist, who often spends long hours on the road and is immersed in the intensity of his career, Roxanne became a grounding presence in his life. “She’s been incredibly supportive throughout my career,” van der Poel noted. “With all the traveling and the pressures of racing, having someone who understands and is there for me is invaluable.”
Reflecting on the early days of their relationship, Mathieu couldn’t help but smile when recalling how everything felt so natural between them. “It wasn’t forced. We both felt comfortable from the start. We just clicked,” he said. “And now, we’re not just partners, but best friends, and that’s what makes it so special.”
The couple’s relationship continues to thrive as they share life’s moments together, despite the fast-paced nature of van der Poel’s cycling career. For him, meeting Roxanne was a turning point—a moment that not only changed his personal life but also gave him a deeper sense of balance and happiness off the bike.
