A fascinating new trend has emerged among professional cyclists. Since January, fans have gained more insight into the lives of top riders through Instagram updates. This movement, which started with Wout van Aert, is now being embraced by other cyclists, including Mathieu van der Poel.
MVDP Joins the Trend
Wout van Aert kicked off this social media practice in the final week of 2024. While he wasn’t the first to share insights into his daily life, his structured approach—weekly updates in a photo series—quickly caught attention. Many cyclists are now following suit, offering fans a closer look at their training routines and personal lives. Van Aert has continued the practice into 2025, reaching his fifth weekly update.
Mathieu van der Poel, however, has taken a slightly different approach. Instead of weekly updates, the Dutch rider appears to prefer a monthly recap for his followers.
His latest Instagram post confirms this shift. Van der Poel shared a collage summarizing his January experiences. Unlike Van Aert’s posts, which typically consist of nine or ten pictures, MVDP opted for a broader collection of 20 images.
Training and Enjoyment
Van der Poel’s January update showcases a mix of intense training and personal moments. The photos highlight his training sessions along Spain’s Costa Blanca, accompanied by his regular training partner, Freddy Ovett. The picturesque weather adds to the appeal, reinforcing why this region is a favorite among professional cyclists.
His off-bike life is also well-documented. This month, Van der Poel celebrated his 30th birthday with his girlfriend, Roxanne. His passion for high-performance vehicles is evident, as he shared images of both his motorized four-wheelers and his impressive bicycles.
A Growing Social Media Phenomenon
This trend reflects a broader shift in how professional athletes engage with their fans. Instead of relying solely on media interviews or race reports, riders now offer a personal glimpse into their daily routines. Van der Poel and Van Aert’s approaches may differ, but both contribute to making professional cycling more transparent and engaging for the public.
With more riders embracing this format, social media is becoming an essential tool for connecting with fans. Whether through weekly updates like Van Aert’s or monthly recaps like Van der Poel’s, this trend is likely to continue shaping the way athletes interact with their audiences.
