𝗠𝗮𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗲𝘂 𝘃𝗮𝗻 𝗱𝗲𝗿 𝗣𝗼𝗲𝗹 𝗱é𝗰𝗹𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗾𝘂’𝗶𝗹 𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗽𝗿ê𝘁 à 𝗮𝗳𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗧𝗮𝗱𝗲𝗷 𝗣𝗼𝗴𝗮č𝗮𝗿 𝗱𝗮𝗻𝘀 𝗹𝗲𝘀 𝗠𝗼𝗻𝘂𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝗹𝗮 𝘀𝗮𝗶𝘀𝗼𝗻 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗲𝗻 𝗹’𝗵𝗼𝗻𝗻𝗲𝘂𝗿 𝗱𝗲 𝘀𝗮 𝗳𝗲𝗺𝗺𝗲 — 𝗽𝘂𝗶𝘀 𝗳𝗮𝗶𝘁 𝘂𝗻𝗲 𝗱é𝗰𝗹𝗮𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗾𝘂𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗲 𝗾𝘂𝗶 𝗯𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗲 𝗹𝗲 𝗺𝗼𝗻𝗱𝗲.

Mathieu van der Poel Says He’s Ready to Battle Tadej Pogačar in the Monuments Again Next Season in Honor of His Wife — Then Makes a Shocking Statement That Stuns the World

 

In a bold declaration that has already sparked headlines across the cycling world, Mathieu van der Poel has announced his intent to once again take on Tadej Pogačar in the 2026 cycling Monuments — and this time, he’s doing it in honor of someone very close to his heart: his wife.

During an emotional interview following his appearance at an off-season charity event in the Netherlands, van der Poel was asked about his plans for the upcoming season. Without hesitation, the world champion said, “Next season, I’m coming back stronger. I want to win the Monuments — not just for myself or my team, but for my wife. She’s been my biggest support through everything.”

The 2025 cycling season saw a fierce rivalry between van der Poel and Pogačar, with the Slovenian star clinching victories in several key classics. While van der Poel held his own, he admitted that the past season was both physically and emotionally demanding. “There were times I wanted to quit. The pressure, the expectation, the injuries — it all builds up. But she kept me going,” he said, referring to his wife, whose name he chose not to mention for privacy reasons.

This dedication to his wife, who reportedly faced a health scare earlier this year, appears to be the primary motivation behind van der Poel’s renewed focus. “She showed me what real strength looks like. Next season, I want to reflect that strength on the road,” he said.

However, just when fans thought they were hearing a heartfelt tribute, van der Poel made a statement that no one saw coming.

“I’ve been thinking about stepping away from the sport earlier than expected,” he said. “Not immediately, but soon. I’ve achieved almost everything I set out to do. Maybe one more year. Maybe two. But then, I want a different life — a quieter one.”

The admission left reporters and fans stunned. Van der Poel, at only 30 years old and still at the peak of his powers, hinted that his cycling career might be nearing its end.

“I don’t want to race forever,” he continued. “I want to enjoy life beyond the bike. Family, nature, peace — these are becoming more important to me.”

Social media exploded with reactions ranging from support to disbelief. Some praised his honesty and commitment to his family, while others expressed sadness at the thought of losing one of the sport’s most dynamic figures.

As for the upcoming season, one thing is certain: the rivalry between van der Poel and Pogačar is far from over — and now it carries even deeper personal meaning. Whether or not it will be van der Poel’s last full season remains to be seen, but his determination is unquestionable.

“If this is the last dance,” he said with a smile, “I’m going to make it unforgettable.”