Breaking. News: Mathieu van der Poel Opens Up About Bullying and how his grandfather helped him overcome them. As a young boy, Mathieu was often targeted by peers who resented his family………..

Mathieu van der Poel, one of the world’s most formidable cyclists, is no stranger to both triumph and adversity in his career. A three-time world champion, van der Poel’s name is often spoken with reverence in the world of cycling. Yet, behind the towering success, lies a story of early challenges, including bullying, which Mathieu faced as a young boy.

In a recent interview, the Dutch cycling star opened up about the difficulties he encountered during his childhood, particularly how he was targeted by his peers due to the fame of his family. Mathieu’s grandfather, the legendary Dutch cyclist and former world champion, Adrie van der Poel, was a pivotal figure in his life, helping him navigate through these formative years of hardship.

A Family Legacy

Mathieu’s family name is steeped in cycling history, and it often made him the subject of jealousy and ridicule from his peers. His father, Adrie van der Poel, was a professional cyclist in his own right, and his grandfather, the renowned Adrie van der Poel, was also a well-established cyclist, winning numerous titles and accolades during his career. This heritage brought both pride and pressure to Mathieu from a young age, but not always in ways he appreciated.

Growing up in a small village, Mathieu’s family’s fame often worked against him. Many of his classmates were envious of the attention and privileges that came with his name. Mathieu recalls being bullied by other children who resented the success of his family and perhaps even feared that he would surpass them in popularity. “I would sometimes hear comments about my grandfather or my father. They would say things like ‘he’s just getting special treatment because of his family,’” Mathieu explained.

These experiences were not just limited to taunts or verbal jabs. Mathieu recalls how his peers would frequently exclude him from social groups, making him feel isolated. “It wasn’t always physical bullying, but the emotional toll was immense,” Mathieu revealed. “I felt like I was constantly being judged based on my family and not who I was as an individual.”

As a young boy, Mathieu was forced to confront not just the weight of his own ambitions but also the societal pressure to live up to a lineage of cycling greatness. This pressure led to moments of deep self-doubt, and Mathieu found himself questioning his place in the world outside of the achievements of his family.

Turning to His Grandfather for Guidance

Despite the challenges, Mathieu was not left to face them alone. He found strength and solace in the wisdom of his grandfather, Adrie van der Poel, who had been through his own battles and had faced similar pressures during his own career.

“My grandfather was always there for me, especially when I felt the weight of the bullying,” Mathieu reflected. “He would tell me stories about his own youth and the struggles he faced. He would remind me that being part of a famous family could be both a blessing and a curse. But he always emphasized that I needed to carve my own path.”

Adrie, who had faced his own fair share of scrutiny in the world of professional cycling, was a steadying force in Mathieu’s life. The elder van der Poel would often remind his grandson that he had the power to shape his destiny and that he should not be defined by the opinions of others. “He would say to me, ‘Focus on what you love to do. Don’t listen to the people who try to bring you down. They don’t understand the real you,’” Mathieu shared.

Adrie’s guidance was instrumental in helping Mathieu build resilience against the bullying. The seasoned cyclist helped his grandson understand that others’ opinions were often rooted in jealousy or insecurity, and that these voices should not define his self-worth.

More importantly, Adrie helped Mathieu understand the importance of perseverance. “He taught me that nothing worth achieving comes easily, and that I should not let setbacks or negativity deter me from my goals,” Mathieu said. “Through him, I learned the value of patience, hard work, and the importance of staying true to myself.”

Overcoming the Bullying

Over time, Mathieu’s ability to stand up for himself grew stronger. As he entered his teens, he found refuge in the sport of cycling, where his immense talent began to shine through. Although the bullying never fully ceased, Mathieu began to build a reputation for his abilities on the bike, which, in turn, earned him respect from his peers.

“I started to show that I was not just a boy with a famous last name. I was someone with my own talents,” he said. “Cycling became my escape, my way to express myself. When I was on the bike, all the negativity seemed to fade away.”

With every race, Mathieu’s confidence grew, and so did his victories. He earned a reputation for being one of the most promising riders in the sport, a title he would soon back up with consistent success on the international stage. His family’s legacy was no longer a source of ridicule but something that propelled him to greatness.

Mathieu credits much of his success to the lessons he learned from his grandfather, who, even though not physically present in his racing career, remained an ever-present source of emotional support. “It wasn’t just about winning races or earning titles. It was about being the best version of myself, both on and off the bike,” Mathieu explained.

The Impact of Bullying on His Career

Looking back on his experiences, Mathieu acknowledges that the bullying he endured shaped who he is today, both as a person and as an athlete. While he wishes the experiences had not occurred, he recognizes that they instilled in him a sense of mental toughness that has helped him overcome the many challenges he’s faced in the competitive world of cycling.

“The bullying definitely left its scars, but it also taught me resilience,” Mathieu said. “It pushed me to work harder and prove to myself that I could overcome anything that was thrown my way. It was through those struggles that I learned how to handle pressure, and how to focus on what truly matters.”

Mathieu also hopes that his story will serve as a source of inspiration for others who may be facing similar struggles. “No matter where you come from or what obstacles you face, you have the ability to rise above it. You don’t have to be defined by the opinions of others,” he said.

A Legacy of Strength

Today, Mathieu van der Poel stands as a champion, not just because of his cycling accomplishments but also because of the personal strength he has cultivated through adversity. While the shadow of his famous family may have once seemed like a curse, Mathieu has turned it into a source of motivation, pushing him to achieve greatness on his own terms.

And as he continues to break barriers and collect victories, Mathieu knows that the lessons his grandfather taught him will continue to guide him, both on the bike and in life.