‘As part of a generation that changed cycling’ – Mathieu van der Poel reflects on how he wants to be remembered and confirms main summer racing plans

Mathieu van der Poel is only 31, with a deal to stay at Alpecin-Premier Tech until at least the end of 2028, but he’s already being asked about how he would like to be remembered as a rider when he does call time on what’s been an illustrious career.

And it’s being “part of a generation that changed cycling,” which the Dutchman is striving for as a legacy, with more frequent long-range attacking in swashbuckling form from the likes of him and Tadej Pogačar playing a huge part in that.

Speaking to Spanish newspaper AS at a Richard Mille event, Van der Poel reflected on several things, from his legacy to long and short-term goals, alongside confirming some of his racing plans for the summer.

“As part of a generation that changed cycling,” said Van der Poel to AS, in response to the question of how he would like to be remembered. “The way they were raced, attacking from start to finish, it’s good that these kinds of races are remembered.”

His most recent Spring campaign may not have been as fruitful as years gone by, with no Monuments added to the eight he already has, but Van der Poel’s valiant efforts at Milan-San Remo, the Tour of Flanders and Paris-Roubaix point to the securing of such a legacy for Van der Poel.

“I think I can be happy with what I achieved. I reached the level I wanted. Of course, I would have liked to win another Monument, but it would be unrealistic to think I’ll win one every year,” he said.

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“I was at one of my best levels in the spring, with great preparation, so it’s difficult to do more in that regard. You also need a bit of luck sometimes to win those races.”

Van der Poel suffered his worst luck in Paris-Roubaix, when a double puncture and two bike changes on the Trouée d’Arenberg all but ruled him out of the race completely.

What he produced after was a quite ridiculous chase to finish fourth, only 15 seconds down on long-term rival and winner Wout van Aert. Having congratulated the Belgian as soon as he arrived at the velodrome, Van der Poel said it was no surprise to see him outdo Pogačar in the sprint à deux once he had survived his attacks.

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“That’s Roubaix for you; you need a bit of luck. I was one of the strongest, but that particular section was unpleasant for us this year. My performance after that motivates me, and that’s why I have to be happy even though I couldn’t win,” said Van der Poel.

“Looking at other sprints, it’s normal that Van Aert is faster, but what’s also incredible is what Pogacar does to get there. He makes the podium every year in all the Monuments, and that’s spectacular.”

The Slovenian remains the benchmark even for a star like Van der Poel to try and chase, and he’ll certainly be back at the spring Monuments in 2026 to try to take back his crown.

“He’s a very tough opponent to beat. Everyone in cycling knows that in most races, if you can beat Pogacar, it means you’re very close to winning,” he added. “I’ll keep trying, I’m still improving for it, and I’m convinced I can beat him again.”

Van der Poel also commented on the newest rising force in men’s cycling, French teenager Paul Seixas, describing his Liège-Bastogne-Liège performance as “incredible” and “spectacular.”

“For France, after so many years, it seems they finally have a rider who can win the Tour again.”

If Seixas does indeed make his debut at the Tour, then he will be seeing a lot of Van der Poel on the punchy tests of the opening two weeks, with the Dutchman confirming that he would be back for a sixth appearance at cycling’s biggest race. He also said how the Mountain Bike World Championships remain a goal he would love to tick off, and with the men’s XCO event arriving on August 26 in Val di Sole.

“We’re preparing my program for the Tour de France, which I will definitely be participating in,” said Van der Poel.

“We need to see which races I’ll do before I go there, and it’s likely that some of them will be mountain bike races. Obviously, the Tour is the main focus in the coming weeks.”