Netflix Unveils Highly Anticipated Documentary on Cycling Icon Mathieu van der Poel Titled “THE UNDERDOG,” Set for Global Premiere on April 25
By Staff Writer | April 8, 2025
Amsterdam, Netherlands – Netflix, known for its groundbreaking sports documentaries, has set the stage for another masterpiece with the global release of “THE UNDERDOG,” a gripping film chronicling the extraordinary career of cycling phenom Mathieu van der Poel. Scheduled for release on April 25, the documentary is already generating massive anticipation in both the sports and entertainment worlds.
With emotional depth, high-stakes drama, and a raw glimpse behind the scenes, “THE UNDERDOG” aims to show the world that even cycling royalty must fight to earn their place in history. From cobblestone classics to cross-country cyclocross mud pits, and even Olympic heartbreaks, the story of van der Poel is anything but typical — and now, it’s ready to be told in full.
A Story of Legacy, Pressure, and Passion
Born in 1995 in Kapellen, Belgium, Mathieu van der Poel was cycling’s version of a royal heir — the grandson of Raymond Poulidor, the beloved “Eternal Second” of the Tour de France, and the son of former world champion Adri van der Poel.
Yet despite the golden bloodline, “THE UNDERDOG” is a story about defying expectations, challenging traditions, and carving out an identity in a sport that often tries to dictate one for you.
“Everyone expected me to be great,” van der Poel says in the documentary’s powerful opening scene, filmed in the shadows of the Alpe d’Huez. “But what they didn’t see was the pressure. The weight. The constant comparisons. I had to fight to be seen as me — not just someone’s son or grandson.”
The documentary features a treasure trove of never-before-seen footage from Mathieu’s childhood, including candid home videos of him riding dirt trails at age four, family dinners filled with cycling talk, and early races where the young prodigy often finished in tears — not because he lost, but because winning never felt like enough.
The Cyclist Who Refused to Be Defined
One of the most striking themes of “THE UNDERDOG” is van der Poel’s decision to remain a multi-discipline athlete in an era of increasing specialization.
While other cyclists narrowed their focus to road racing, he continued to dominate cyclocross, chase Olympic medals in mountain biking, and win some of the most prestigious one-day races in road cycling.
“In today’s cycling world, that’s borderline rebellion,” says Phil Liggett, the legendary cycling commentator, in the film. “But Mathieu didn’t care. He followed his instincts, and somehow, that made him even more dangerous.”
The film dives deep into his training methods, unconventional planning, and refusal to bow to media pressure. It covers key victories such as:
• Amstel Gold Race (2019) – where he pulled off one of the most unbelievable comebacks in cycling history.
• Tour of Flanders (2020 & 2022) – showing his tactical brilliance and sheer power.
• Cyclocross World Championships – multiple titles cementing him as one of the greatest cyclocross riders ever.
Through interviews with teammates, rivals, coaches, and family, the documentary explores how van der Poel juggled competing demands while maintaining an intense level of excellence. Perhaps most importantly, it reveals how he found joy in the chaos of it all.
The Olympic Heartbreak and Comeback
One of the most emotional chapters of “THE UNDERDOG” is the build-up and eventual disaster of the 2021 Tokyo Olympics mountain bike race — a gold-medal dream turned nightmare. A crash in the opening lap left him bruised, disappointed, and haunted by what could have been.
“I was devastated,” van der Poel admits in a tearful interview. “I trained for years. I believed I could win. And in an instant, it was over.”
Netflix does not gloss over the emotional toll. Viewers see him in recovery, confronting self-doubt, and grappling with the decision to take time off. The camera captures him not as a superstar, but as a vulnerable human being — one who still had to return to the spotlight and find his way back.
His 2023 and 2024 seasons, however, showcase one of the greatest comeback arcs in cycling history. After returning with renewed focus, van der Poel won Paris-Roubaix and reclaimed the World Road Race Championship, reminding the world why he remains one of the most electric athletes of his generation.
Behind the Scenes with Netflix Cameras
The documentary was filmed over three years by director Lucas Vandenberg, known for his intimate athlete-focused storytelling in Beyond the Peloton and The Finish Line.
With exclusive access granted by van der Poel and his team, Netflix captures everything — from post-race breakdowns to late-night strategy sessions, and the quieter moments with family that remind viewers of the human being behind the handlebars.
The film also features appearances from cycling legends such as:
• Wout van Aert – his career-long rival, who offers candid insight into their fierce but respectful competition.
• Peter Sagan – reflecting on the pressure of fame and flamboyance in cycling.
• Tom Pidcock, Julian Alaphilippe, and Tadej Pogačar – discussing van der Poel’s place among modern greats.
But it’s the family interviews — especially with his grandfather’s widow and his father Adri — that deliver the emotional core. They reflect on the pressure of legacy and the quiet pride in seeing Mathieu write his own story.
A Cinematic, Global Experience
Netflix has spared no effort in making “THE UNDERDOG” a cinematic experience. With drone footage of brutal climbs, on-bike camera views of sprint finishes, and slo-mo shots of muddy cyclocross chaos, the film puts viewers directly in the saddle. The soundtrack — an original score by Dutch composer Eva Vissers — brings emotional resonance to every triumph and setback.
The final scenes of the film are poetic: van der Poel, alone on a remote Belgian trail, riding not for medals or fans, but for himself. As the screen fades to black, his voice delivers the defining line of the film
“I never asked to be a legend. I just wanted to ride. The rest? That’s for the world to decide.”
Critical Acclaim Already Rolling In
Even before its release, “THE UNDERDOG” has received praise from critics who previewed the film at private screenings:
• The Guardian called it “a masterclass in athlete storytelling — brutal, beautiful, and brilliantly human.”
• Cycling Weekly hailed it as “a film that will make you cheer, cry, and climb out of your seat in awe.”
• Variety said it “transcends sport and speaks to anyone who’s ever fought to be seen on their own terms.”
Impact on the Sport of Cycling
Industry insiders believe the documentary could trigger a wave of renewed interest in cycling, especially among younger audiences. Much like Drive to Survive transformed F1, “THE UNDERDOG” is expected to introduce millions to the nuance, physicality, and emotion of elite cycling.
“I’ve never seen cycling portrayed this powerfully,” said Marijn Zeeman, performance director of Jumbo-Visma. “It’s going to inspire a new generation — not just to race, but to believe in their own path.”
Van der Poel, for his part, hopes the film shows that success isn’t about being the loudest or the flashiest. It’s about resilience, authenticity, and doing things your own way — even when the world expects you to follow the script.
Final Thoughts
“THE UNDERDOG” is not just a cycling documentary. It is a universal story about legacy, identity, and the unshakable will to forge your own path in a world full of expectations.
Whether you’re a seasoned cycling fan or someone who’s never watched a race, this film has the power to move you. With its compelling narrative, world-class production, and unforgettable subject, Netflix may have just delivered its most powerful sports documentary to date.
So mark your calendar for April 25th. Because when “THE UNDERDOG” drops, it won’t just be a story about cycling.
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