BREAKING: Netherlands to Honor Cycling Icon Mathieu van der Poel with $2.5 Million Statue in Tribute to His Legendary Career

BREAKING: Netherlands to Honor Cycling Icon Mathieu van der Poel with $2.5 Million Statue in Tribute to His Legendary Career

 

 

 

BREAKING: Netherlands to Build $2.5 Million Statue Honoring Cycling Legend Mathieu van der Poel

Amersfoort, Netherlands – July 27, 2025

In a powerful tribute to one of the most iconic and versatile cyclists in modern history, the Dutch government, in partnership with the Royal Dutch Cycling Federation (KNWU), has announced plans to build a $2.5 million statue of Mathieu van der Poel, cementing his legacy as one of the greatest athletes the country has ever produced.

The monument will be placed in Amersfoort, not far from van der Poel’s childhood training grounds, and is set to be unveiled in early 2027, marking a historic moment in Dutch sporting history.

“Mathieu van der Poel is a once-in-a-generation talent,” said Minister for Sport and Culture Kees Veldman during a press conference on Saturday. “He has elevated the sport of cycling across multiple disciplines—road, cyclo-cross, and mountain biking—and brought pride to every Dutch citizen. This statue is a tribute not just to his victories, but to the fearless way he races and the inspiration he brings.”

A Multi-Discipline Marvel

At just 30 years old, Mathieu van der Poel has accomplished what most cyclists only dream of across three elite categories:

• Road Cycling:

  • World Champion (2023)

  • Milan–San Remo Winner (2023)

  • Tour of Flanders Winner (2020, 2022)

  • Paris–Roubaix Winner (2023)

  • Wore the yellow jersey in the 2021 Tour de France

• Cyclo-Cross:

  • Five-time UCI World Champion

  • Over 30 career World Cup victories

  • Rivalry with Wout van Aert dubbed the greatest in modern CX history

• Mountain Biking:

  • European Champion (2019)

  • Competed in the Tokyo 2020 Olympics

Van der Poel’s unique ability to dominate across surfaces, terrains, and seasons has redefined what is possible in modern cycling. His daring solo breakaways, technical mastery, and relentless racing style have earned him legions of fans not just in the Netherlands but around the world.

“He is the embodiment of Dutch grit and innovation,” said former cyclist and team manager Erik Dekker. “From a cycling family legacy, Mathieu has carved out something that’s uniquely his—equal parts elegance and aggression. This statue will stand for cycling’s past, present, and future.”

A Family Legacy Continued

Mathieu van der Poel hails from a storied cycling bloodline. His father, Adrie van der Poel, was a cyclo-cross world champion and Tour de France stage winner. His grandfather, Raymond Poulidor, was one of France’s most beloved riders, known for his never-say-die spirit and near misses at the Tour de France.

By winning the rainbow jersey and Monuments his grandfather never could, van der Poel has both honored and transcended his lineage—carving his own legend into cycling history.

“They laid the path,” Mathieu once said of his father and grandfather. “But I’ve always wanted to find my own way down the road.”

Statue Design and Location

The statue will be designed by acclaimed Dutch sculptor Annelies van den Broek, known for her dynamic and lifelike work in bronze. The piece will depict van der Poel in mid-attack—out of the saddle, face focused, hammering the pedals—a signature pose that fans have seen on climbs and cobbles alike.

It will be installed in Eemplein Park, a popular public plaza in Amersfoort that also serves as a key route in the annual Dutch National Cycling Day parade.

The base of the statue will feature digital panels displaying van der Poel’s career highlights, interactive video reels, and personal messages from fellow cyclists, coaches, and fans across the globe.

The KNWU confirmed that the $2.5 million budget is being funded jointly through government grants, private sponsorships, and fan-driven crowdfunding campaigns.

Reactions Pour In

News of the statue has sparked an overwhelming reaction from fans, cyclists, and global sporting icons. Fellow cycling great Wout van Aert, van der Poel’s longtime rival and friend, tweeted:

“A statue for Mathieu? Well deserved. One of the fiercest and most talented I’ve ever raced against. Respect.”

Five-time Tour de France winner Eddy Merckx called it “a fitting tribute to a cyclist who represents everything exciting about the modern era.”

Cycling fans took to social media in droves, with many already planning pilgrimages to the statue once unveiled. Dutch supporters flooded online forums with messages like “Finally, our legend gets his place in bronze” and “From fields of mud to roads of gold—Mathieu, we thank you.”

What’s Next for Van der Poel?

While he remains active in competition, van der Poel has hinted that he will begin scaling back his schedule in the coming years to focus more on the road and fewer cyclo-cross appearances. However, he has expressed interest in competing at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, potentially making one final statement on the global stage.

Speaking briefly about the statue announcement, van der Poel said:

“I don’t ride for statues. I ride because I love racing. But this is truly an honor, and I’m grateful to the people of the Netherlands for always supporting me. If this inspires one kid to pick up a bike, it’ll mean more than any win.”

As the cycling world prepares to immortalize its modern-day gladiator, one thing is certain: Mathieu van der Poel’s legacy is no longer just on the road—it will soon be cast in bronze.