Mathieu Van der Poel Emotionally Explains Why He Had the Courage to Get a Bold Tattoo for His Girlfriend Roxanne Bertels
Mathieu Van der Poel is known worldwide for his fearlessness on the bike, whether he is attacking on the cobbles, dominating cyclocross courses, or pushing his limits in mountain biking. Yet recently, the Dutch cycling superstar revealed that one of the bravest decisions he has made had nothing to do with competition, trophies, or rivalry. Instead, it was a deeply personal choice driven by love.
In an emotional explanation, Van der Poel opened up about why he decided to get a bold tattoo in honor of his girlfriend, Roxanne Bertels. For an athlete whose body is his most important tool, any permanent change carries weight. Tattoos are not simply aesthetic decisions for professional cyclists; they are lifelong marks that stay with them through every victory, setback, and chapter of life. Van der Poel admitted that this was exactly why the decision took so much courage.
According to him, the tattoo represents far more than a symbol or design. It reflects stability in a life that is often chaotic. Years of relentless travel, pressure, and expectations can make it difficult to hold on to a sense of normalcy. Roxanne Bertels, he explained, has been a constant presence through the highs and lows, offering support when the spotlight was overwhelming and grounding him when success threatened to become isolating.
Van der Poel acknowledged that he is not someone who makes emotional gestures lightly. Raised in a legendary cycling family, he learned early on to focus on discipline, resilience, and performance. Vulnerability was not something that came naturally. Choosing to permanently express his feelings through a tattoo therefore marked a significant step outside his comfort zone.
He described the moment as both intimidating and liberating. The courage did not come from wanting attention, but from accepting what the tattoo symbolized: commitment, trust, and gratitude. For him, it was a quiet statement of appreciation toward someone who sees him not as a world champion, but simply as Mathieu.
The cyclist also addressed the public reaction, knowing that fans and media often analyze every personal decision he makes. While he understands the curiosity, he emphasized that this choice was never meant to be a spectacle. It was a private gesture that happened to become public because of who he is. In that sense, the tattoo serves as a reminder that even elite athletes crave genuine human connection beyond medals and headlines.
Van der Poel noted that love can be a powerful source of strength. In moments of doubt, injury, or exhaustion, knowing that someone believes in you unconditionally can make a decisive difference. The tattoo, he said, symbolizes that support and the courage it gives him—not only in life, but also in sport.
Ultimately, his explanation revealed a softer side of an athlete often associated with raw power and competitive fire. It showed that bravery does not always mean attacking at the right moment or enduring pain on the road. Sometimes, it means allowing yourself to be emotionally open and leaving a permanent mark that reflects what truly matters.
For Mathieu Van der Poel, the bold tattoo is not just ink on skin. It is a personal story, a declaration of love, and a reminder that even the strongest champions draw their greatest courage from the people closest to them.
Be the first to comment