Dutch cycling star Mathieu van der Poel has never been one to shy away from pressure — and this time, he’s making it personal. After facing online mockery and media doubt in the wake of a recent string of subdued performances, the reigning world champion is firing back with a simple, steely message:
“I’ll prove it.”
The response came after critics and pundits questioned Van der Poel’s current form, with some going as far as to suggest that he was no longer the dominant force he once was. Social media buzzed with speculation about his fitness, his focus, and even his motivation. But if there’s one thing Van der Poel thrives on, it’s doubt.
“They Can Say What They Want”
Speaking to Dutch media ahead of his next major race, Van der Poel didn’t mince words:
“They can say what they want. I know how hard I’m working. I know what I’ve done, and I know what I’m capable of. People quickly forget — but I haven’t forgotten how to ride a bike.”
While some observers have pointed to his recent results as “below expectation,” the Alpecin-Deceuninck rider reminded everyone of his monumental spring campaign, which included victories at Paris-Roubaix and the Tour of Flanders.
“Not every week is about a win,” he said. “But when the big races come, I’ll be ready. That’s a promise.”
“I’ll Let My Legs Talk”
In typical Van der Poel style, the Dutchman didn’t linger too long on words — instead, he emphasized the one thing that truly matters in cycling: performance.
“You can’t silence everyone with talk. You do it with action. That’s why I’m not too bothered by the noise. I’ll let my legs talk — and they’ll speak loudly.”
Sources close to the team say Van der Poel has been training with renewed intensity, with a specific focus on peaking for the upcoming World Championships and summer classics. Team insiders hint that he’s “more motivated than ever.”
For fans and critics alike, this is classic Mathieu van der Poel — fierce, proud, and fiercely competitive. The cycling world has seen him shatter rivals on cobbled climbs, dominate cyclocross, and turn races upside down with daring solo attacks.
Now, after being mocked and doubted, he’s ready to write his next chapter — one pedal stroke at a time.
Critics may have questioned him, but Mathieu van der Poel isn’t interested in arguments. He’s aiming to remind everyone — not just who he was, but who he still is.
“I’ll prove it.”
And if history is any indication, he probably will.
