UNBELIEVABLE MOVE: Alpecin–Deceuninck Waited Until Mathieu van der Poel Finalized Personal Break Before Dropping $13,000,000 Contract Extension *Mathieu van der Poel 𝙞𝙨𝙣’𝙩 𝙟𝙪𝙨𝙩 𝙨𝙪𝙧𝙫𝙞𝙫𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙥𝙧𝙚𝙨𝙨𝙪𝙧𝙚 — 𝙝𝙚’𝙨 𝙩𝙝𝙧𝙞𝙫𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙞𝙣 𝙞𝙩….. Read more

 

UNBELIEVABLE MOVE: Alpecin–Deceuninck Waited Until Mathieu van der Poel Finalized Personal Break Before Dropping $13,000,000 Contract Extension
Mathieu van der Poel 𝙞𝙨𝙣’𝙩 𝙟𝙪𝙨𝙩 𝙨𝙪𝙧𝙫𝙞𝙫𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙥𝙧𝙚𝙨𝙨𝙪𝙧𝙚 — 𝙝𝙚’𝙨 𝙩𝙝𝙧𝙞𝙫𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙞𝙣 𝙞𝙩….. Read more

 

 

UNBELIEVABLE MOVE: Alpecin–Deceuninck Waited Until Mathieu van der Poel Finalized Personal Break Before Dropping $13,000,000 Contract Extension
Mathieu van der Poel isn’t just surviving the pressure — he’s thriving in it…

In a bold and strategic move that stunned the cycling world, Alpecin–Deceuninck has officially locked in its star rider Mathieu van der Poel with a massive $13 million contract extension, shortly after the Dutch phenom returned from a brief personal break.

The announcement, which came just weeks after van der Poel’s highly-publicized pause from competition, confirms that the team not only values his historic contributions on the road, in cyclo-cross, and mountain biking — but also sees him as central to their future ambitions.

Sources close to the team reveal that Alpecin–Deceuninck held off on finalizing any new deal until van der Poel had resolved personal matters and felt mentally ready to recommit to the grueling demands of elite cycling. The gesture is being praised by fans and analysts alike as a rare act of empathy and long-term thinking in professional sports.

 

A Career Like No Other

At just 29 years old, Mathieu van der Poel has already secured a legacy few in the sport can match. Grand Tour stage wins, multiple Cyclo-cross World Championships, a Monument victory at the Tour of Flanders, and his recent UCI Road World Championship win have elevated him to legend status.

His versatility across disciplines has made him a unicorn in modern cycling — capable of delivering in spring classics, cyclo-cross mud battles, and even pulling off Tour de France heroics. For Alpecin–Deceuninck, keeping van der Poel on their roster was more than a business move — it was a mission.

A Delicate Pause

Earlier this year, van der Poel took an unexpected break from racing, citing a need to recalibrate both mentally and physically after years of relentless competition.

“There comes a point when even doing what you love can become overwhelming,” van der Poel told Dutch media during his time off. “I needed to step back to make sure I was stepping forward for the right reasons.”

His absence sent shockwaves through the cycling world. Rumors swirled about a potential transfer, even retirement whispers — but Alpecin–Deceuninck stood firm. Team management remained in constant communication with van der Poel and his family, reportedly telling him: “Take all the time you need. When you’re ready, we’re ready.”

A Deal Made With Trust

According to sources familiar with the negotiations, the $13 million contract extension not only makes van der Poel one of the highest-paid cyclists globally, but also includes performance bonuses, mental health support resources, and freedom to compete across multiple disciplines — including cyclo-cross and mountain biking.

In a brief but powerful statement released by the team, van der Poel expressed deep gratitude:

“I’ve always said I ride with my heart. This team has given me space to heal and the trust to return stronger. I’m more motivated than ever to win for them.”

The contract ensures van der Poel stays with Alpecin–Deceuninck through at least the 2029 season, with options for extension. That continuity could be crucial as the team looks to cement its place among WorldTour elites and challenge traditional powerhouses like Jumbo–Visma, INEOS Grenadiers, and UAE Team Emirates.

Fans React with Joy and Relief

The news triggered an outpouring of support from fans worldwide, especially in Belgium and the Netherlands, where van der Poel enjoys a near-mythical following.

“Mathieu is not just an athlete — he’s an icon. He brings joy every time he rides,” one fan posted on X (formerly Twitter). “We were worried he might be done, but this shows he’s just getting started.”

 

A Bigger Story in Sports

Sports psychologists and analysts have pointed to van der Poel’s situation as emblematic of a growing awareness around athlete well-being. Similar to moves made by stars like Simone Biles, Naomi Osaka, and Tom Daley, van der Poel’s break and return highlight the importance of balance in an increasingly demanding world of elite sports.

“His story is powerful because it breaks the stereotype of the always-on, always-grinding athlete,” said Dr. Ilse Meijer, a sports therapist based in Utrecht. “To see a world champion take a pause and come back with renewed passion sends an important message — that mental health is part of performance.”

What’s Next?

With the extension now in place, all eyes turn to van der Poel’s next targets. Rumors suggest he will return to the Vuelta a España later this year, with ambitions to race the 2025 Tour de France and defend his World Championship title.

In addition, fans can expect appearances in his beloved cyclo-cross circuit this winter, where he has long dominated the muddy, high-stakes races that first made him a star.

One thing is clear: Mathieu van der Poel is not finished — he’s just getting started on a new chapter.