BREAKING NEWS: Mathieu van der Poel Stuns Cycling World — Rejects $475 Million Deal from Beobank-Corendon, Declares “My Loyalty Lies with Alpecin-Deceuninck”
By Global Cycling Network (GCN) Staff Writer
July 21, 2025 – Brussels, Belgium
In one of the boldest and most talked-about decisions in modern cycling history, Mathieu van der Poel, the reigning world champion and five-discipline phenom, has rejected a mind-blowing $475 million contract offer from former affiliate team Beobank-Corendon to remain loyal to his longtime team, Alpecin-Deceuninck.
The offer, described by insiders as the most lucrative ever made in the sport, would have included an eight-year contract loaded with
performance incentives, branding rights, global ambassadorships, and equity options. But the Dutchman, known as much for his explosive attacks as his humility, turned it down without hesitation.
“My loyalty lies with Alpecin-Deceuninck,” van der Poel said in a personal statement posted to his social media. “They’ve believed in me through every win, every setback, every finish line. No amount of money can replace what we’ve built together.”
A Once-in-a-Lifetime Offer… Declined
Beobank-Corendon — van der Poel’s former team during his early development years — made the staggering offer in an ambitious attempt to lure the 30-year-old back into the fold. The deal reportedly included:
- $475 million total value
- $250 million guaranteed salary over 8 years
- $75 million signing bonus
- Global ambassador roles across cycling, e-sports, and lifestyle ventures
- Equity stake in Beobank-Corendon Sports Group
- Ownership option in a new pro cyclocross team bearing his name
Sources claim the offer was presented in person at a luxury villa in Monaco earlier this summer, with Beobank-Corendon executives even promising to rebrand the team around van der Poel’s legacy.
Yet the reigning Tour of Flanders, Paris-Roubaix, and World Championship winner said no — stunning the cycling community and proving once again that his focus remains rooted in loyalty, not legacy deals.
“Some Teams You Don’t Leave.”
Van der Poel has been the cornerstone of Alpecin-Deceuninck since 2011, when the squad was still a modest development team. Under his influence and talent, the team has since transformed into a WorldTour powerhouse — challenging giants like Jumbo-Visma, Ineos Grenadiers, and UAE Team Emirates.
From dominant wins across cyclocross, road classics, and mountain biking, van der Poel has become a symbol of excellence and aggression. But perhaps more than his versatility, it is his unwavering commitment to the people behind the scenes that defines him.
“It’s not just about the jersey I wear,” he added. “It’s about the mechanics, the staff, my teammates. They’re my family. We’ve climbed together, and we’ll win together.”
Reaction Across the Cycling World
As news of the rejected deal spread like wildfire, cycling legends, journalists, and fans worldwide flooded social media with praise and disbelief.
Tom Boonen, former classics king, wrote:
“What a move. Respect to Mathieu. Loyalty is rare at this level.”
Philippa York, cycling analyst and former pro rider, noted:
“Mathieu just turned down generational wealth to stay where his heart is. That’s not just admirable — it’s revolutionary.”
Team Alpecin-Deceuninck CEO Philip Roodhooft commented:
“Mathieu is the heartbeat of this team. We’re honored to continue building history together.”
Even rival team UAE Team Emirates posted:
“Respect where it’s due. This decision changes the game — again.”
What’s Next for Van der Poel?
With his decision final, van der Poel is expected to sign a renewed multi-year extension with Alpecin-Deceuninck, with added focus on Grand Tour stage wins, Olympic gold in Paris 2028, and continued dominance in the Spring Classics.
Behind the scenes, the team is reportedly preparing a legacy project in van der Poel’s name — a development academy for young multi-discipline riders across Europe.
“I want to give back to the next generation,” he said. “This sport gave me everything. Now it’s my turn.”
Final Word
In an era where athletes chase historic contracts and personal brands, Mathieu van der Poel’s refusal of nearly half a billion dollars is nothing short of extraordinary.
For him, it’s not about the biggest paycheck. It’s about the team that raised him, the colleagues who ride beside him, and the journey they’ve shared — a journey still far from finished.
Mathieu van der Poel stays with Alpecin-Deceuninck. And the cycling world just gained a new benchmark for loyalty.
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