Mathieu van der Poel Celebrates His Mother’s 60th Birthday by Honoring Her Tremendous Sacrifices: “I Owe It All to Her”
In the world of elite cycling, few names carry as much weight and admiration as Mathieu van der Poel. A powerhouse on the road, in cyclocross, and on the mountain bike, van der Poel has become a household name for fans of the sport. But beyond the medals, victories, and headlines lies a story of deep familial love, dedication, and sacrifice — a story he recently brought to the forefront as he celebrated his mother’s 60th birthday in a heartfelt tribute that touched the hearts of fans across the globe.
The Dutch cycling sensation, known for his explosive style and seemingly limitless endurance, took to social media and public interviews to honor his mother, Corinne Poulidor, on her milestone birthday. In an emotional message, Mathieu acknowledged not only her unwavering support but also the immense sacrifices she made throughout his life and career. “I owe it all to her,” he said. “Everything I’ve accomplished, every medal, every race — it’s all built on the foundation she gave me.”
A Life of Quiet Strength
Corinne Poulidor, daughter of French cycling legend Raymond Poulidor and wife of Dutch cyclist Adrie van der Poel, has spent much of her life in the shadows of cycling royalty. However, it is her role as a mother that has perhaps been her most significant contribution to the sport. Raising two sons in a family deeply entrenched in cycling culture, Corinne became the quiet force behind the scenes — managing schedules, preparing meals, driving to races, and serving as a constant emotional anchor through the highs and lows of competitive sport.
“She was the one who got up early, who made sure I ate right, who drove me across the country just so I could race,” Mathieu recalled. “When I was still a child, she believed in me even when I doubted myself. She never pushed me, but she always supported me.”
Balancing Tradition and Progress
Growing up in the van der Poel household meant living at the intersection of history and future. With a grandfather like Raymond Poulidor — a beloved French cyclist known as “The Eternal Second” — and a father, Adrie van der Poel, who won several classics and a world championship in cyclocross, expectations were naturally high. But Corinne made it a point to ensure that her children, especially Mathieu, were given the space to carve out their own path.
“She always told me I didn’t have to ride a bike if I didn’t want to,” Mathieu said in a recent interview. “There was never any pressure, just love and encouragement. That’s what gave me the freedom to fall in love with the sport on my own terms.”
As he advanced through the ranks from promising junior to world champion, Corinne remained a constant figure — not on the podium or in the limelight, but always in the background, offering quiet words of wisdom and steady support.
Sacrifices Behind the Glory
The world sees the victories: the stunning solo rides, the sprint finishes, the rainbow jerseys. But behind those triumphs are countless sacrifices, many of which were made by Corinne. Mathieu shared how she gave up personal ambitions, shelved career opportunities, and dedicated her life to raising her family and supporting their dreams.
“There were times when she could have chosen herself, her own path,” he said. “But she chose us. That kind of selflessness is something I admire more than any result in sport.”
Even during difficult moments — injuries, setbacks, the loss of his beloved grandfather Raymond in 2019 — Corinne provided a source of resilience and perspective. Her belief in character, humility, and hard work helped ground Mathieu in a world that often moves too fast and values results over relationships.
A Celebration of Love and Legacy
For her 60th birthday, Mathieu organized a quiet family gathering, away from the media spotlight, to reflect on her life and celebrate the impact she has had. Close friends and family came together not just to honor Corinne’s birthday but to recognize the heart and soul she has poured into her children’s lives.
“I wanted her to feel seen,” Mathieu said. “Too often, people like her — mothers, caregivers — they don’t get the recognition they deserve. But everything we do is built on their shoulders.”
He also shared photos and memories on social media, sparking an outpouring of admiration from fans around the world. Messages of love and gratitude flooded in, with many praising Mathieu not just for his athletic achievements, but for his humility and appreciation for the people who helped him get there.
Looking Ahead with Gratitude
As Mathieu van der Poel continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible in cycling, he does so with a heart full of gratitude. For him, his mother’s 60th birthday was more than just a personal celebration — it was a reminder of the values that shaped him: perseverance, humility, and above all, love.
“I ride for many reasons,” he said, “but above all, I ride with her strength in my heart. If I can be half as strong as she’s been in her life, then I’ll consider myself successful — no matter what the result sheet says.”
In honoring his mother, van der Poel reminded the world of something truly important: behind every great athlete, there’s often an even greater parent — one whose sacrifices are not measured in medals, but in moments, memories, and unconditional love.