Cycling: Alpecin–Deceuninck Star Mathieu van der Poel Becomes Highest-Paid Rider with Record $9,300,600 Contract Extension
Cycling: Alpecin–Deceuninck Star Mathieu van der Poel Becomes Highest-Paid Rider with Record $9,300,600 Contract Extension
In a groundbreaking moment for professional cycling, Alpecin–Deceuninck’s superstar Mathieu van der Poel has officially signed a record-breaking contract extension worth $9.3 million, making him the highest-paid cyclist in the history of the sport. The announcement was made during a highly anticipated press conference in Antwerp, where team officials, media, and cycling fans gathered to witness the moment a new financial era for the sport was ushered in.
The deal, which spans four years, reflects Van der Poel’s status not only as one of the most versatile and dominant athletes in cycling but also as a global ambassador for the sport. With multiple World Championships, Monument victories, and historic performances across road, cyclocross, and mountain bike disciplines, Van der Poel has become one of the most marketable figures in the cycling world. The $9.3 million figure, which includes base salary and performance-related incentives, firmly places him ahead of other top earners like Tadej Pogačar and Wout van Aert.
Team manager Philip Roodhooft described the contract as a “necessary investment in greatness,” emphasizing Van der Poel’s unmatched impact on the sport. “Mathieu is the face of modern cycling,” Roodhooft said. “His victories bring global attention, his charisma brings fans, and his dedication inspires riders across every level. This contract isn’t just about money—it’s about leadership, legacy, and belief in what’s possible in cycling today.”
At just 30 years old, Van der Poel’s resume reads like a cycling dream. He has won Milan–San Remo, Paris–Roubaix, the Tour of Flanders (twice), Strade Bianche, and the UCI Road World Championships. He is also a multiple-time cyclocross world champion and Olympic mountain biking competitor. In the past two seasons alone, he has consistently captivated audiences with his aggressive riding style, daring breakaways, and an ability to excel in unpredictable racing conditions. With this new deal, Van der Poel is set to spend the prime of his career with Alpecin–Deceuninck, the team that helped nurture his rise to global stardom.
“I’m incredibly proud and thankful for this opportunity,” Van der Poel said during the press event. “Alpecin–Deceuninck has believed in me since the beginning, and I’m excited to continue building something special with them. This deal gives me the freedom to focus entirely on racing, training, and achieving even more—whether it’s more Monuments, another world title, or even chasing Olympic gold.”
This extension also signals a massive shift in the financial landscape of professional cycling. Historically, the sport has lagged behind others like football, tennis, and Formula 1 when it comes to athlete compensation. However, Van der Poel’s massive global following, marketability, and cross-discipline success have helped redefine the commercial potential of cycling stars. From sold-out events to booming social media engagement and record-breaking TV ratings when he’s on the start line, Van der Poel has demonstrated that one rider can shift the spotlight and the economy of the sport.
The $9.3 million extension is reportedly backed by a renewed commitment from several key sponsors, including Alpecin, Canyon, and Red Bull—brands that have built long-term partnerships with Van der Poel and view him as central to their visibility strategy in sport. According to internal sources, the rider’s market value has risen dramatically over the past three years, especially following his unforgettable win at the 2023 UCI World Road Championships in Glasgow and his dominant Paris–Roubaix performance.
In addition to his on-road success, Van der Poel’s influence extends into cultural and youth engagement. He has inspired a new generation of cyclists, particularly in the Netherlands and Belgium, where his cross-discipline domination has reignited enthusiasm for cyclocross and mountain biking. His Instagram videos of training in extreme weather and explosive solo rides regularly go viral, and his racing style—unpredictable, bold, and fearless—has been credited with drawing in younger audiences to cycling.
Alpecin–Deceuninck is expected to leverage this contract to strengthen its rider roster and continue competing at the highest levels of the UCI WorldTour calendar. The team has already confirmed additional budget allocations for recruitment, technological innovation, and staff expansion in preparation for Van der Poel’s next chapter. “We’re not just supporting one rider,” said Roodhooft. “We’re investing in a team that can stand on podiums in the Classics, Grand Tours, and World Championships.”
Industry analysts say this contract sets a new precedent and could reshape how teams approach contract negotiations with top-tier talent. “This deal tells us that cycling has entered a new phase,” said veteran cycling journalist Lionel Birnie. “Mathieu van der Poel isn’t just racing for titles—he’s raising the ceiling of what’s possible in cycling, financially and culturally.”
With the 2025 season well underway, all eyes will be on Van der Poel as he prepares for another demanding calendar. His goals include defending his world title, another shot at Olympic mountain biking gold in Paris, and a continued push for Monument dominance. Fans can also expect him to return to the Tour de France with ambitions of stage victories and perhaps a stint in the yellow jersey.
As Van der Poel gears up for these challenges, the message from his record-breaking extension is clear: he’s not done yet. With $9.3 million signaling the sport’s belief in his star power and staying power, Mathieu van der Poel is poised not only to keep winning but to redefine what it means to be a cyclist in the modern era. From the muddy cyclocross tracks of Europe to the grand stages of the Tour and World Championships, Van der Poel is no longer just a contender—he’s the standard.
And now, officially, he’s the best-paid rider the sport has ever seen.
Leave a Reply