“I’ve Said It Many Times in Recent Years, But I’m Going to Say It Again”: Mathieu van der Poel Admits He Almost Suffered Cramps in Brutal Ride
Dutch cycling superstar Mathieu van der Poel is known for his superhuman efforts, relentless pace, and seemingly effortless domination across disciplines. But even the most elite athletes are not immune to the demands of brutal racing. After yet another physically punishing ride, Van der Poel opened up about the toll the course took on his body — and his candid confession is making waves across the cycling world.
“I’ve said it many times in recent years,” Van der Poel told reporters after the finish, “but I’m going to say it again: I almost had cramps. It was that hard.”
The reigning world champion had just crossed the finish line at the Superprestige event in Leuven, where he once again finished on the podium after a grueling battle through mud, climbs, and relentless attacks. While fans and analysts praised his performance, the man himself admitted that the race had pushed him to the brink.
The Effort Behind the Excellence
To many, Van der Poel often appears untouchable on the bike. Whether it’s his explosive sprints in cyclocross, his one-day classic dominance on the road, or his showstopping win at the 2023 World Championships in Glasgow, he makes racing look almost poetic. But his recent comments serve as a reminder that even the best feel the pain — and sometimes, they’re right on the edge.
“I felt good for most of the race,” Van der Poel explained, “but in the final two laps, my legs started locking up. It’s a strange feeling — like your body is beginning to betray you. You can manage your energy as well as possible, but when the terrain and pace are both that demanding, there’s a limit. Today, I was close to mine.”
This isn’t the first time Van der Poel has referenced nearly cramping during a tough effort. In previous years, particularly during muddy cyclocross races and long spring classics like the Tour of Flanders or Strade Bianche, he’s made similar remarks. However, what makes this admission stand out is the honesty and frequency with which it now emerges — even as he continues to win or place high.
A Course That Punished Everyone
The Leuven circuit was no easy ride. Described by multiple riders as “brutally technical” and “relentless,” it combined steep climbs, sharp descents, tight corners, and slick mud, pushing even the best riders deep into the red zone. With every lap, fatigue mounted — and so did the risk of physical breakdown.
Fellow competitors also commented on the race’s physical toll.
“It was like riding with the brakes on for an hour,” said Belgian rider Eli Iserbyt, who also showed signs of cramping in the final stretch. “The course was sticky, the lines were narrow, and you couldn’t relax for a second.”
Van der Poel, despite the near-cramp scare, still managed a powerful final lap surge, demonstrating his signature combination of finesse and force. But when he rolled over the finish line and dismounted, he showed signs of deep fatigue, something rarely seen from the composed Dutchman.
“I always say to myself, ‘push through, ignore the signs,’” Van der Poel said. “But when your quads are starting to tighten and you can’t fully pedal the way you want — that’s when you realize just how fragile the balance is.”
Managing the Human Body Under Immense Pressure
Athletes at Van der Poel’s level often walk a fine line between peak performance and physiological failure. Cramping is one of the few things that can bring even the strongest riders to a halt — and it’s a phenomenon often tied not just to physical fitness, but hydration, nutrition, terrain, and effort spikes.
His team, Alpecin–Deceuninck, has reportedly been paying closer attention to electrolyte balance and mid-race fueling strategies, particularly after Van der Poel’s increasing mentions of near-cramping episodes in recent years. Some believe that his high-octane, aggressive racing style — which favors explosive attacks and relentless pressure — may naturally predispose him to flirt with that limit more often than most.
Still, Van der Poel seems aware of the risks — and unfazed.
“You don’t win by playing safe,” he said with a laugh. “I’d rather win and nearly cramp than finish fifth and feel fresh.”
Fans React: “He’s Human After All”
Reactions from fans online have ranged from humorous to admiring, with many posting memes and quotes highlighting the rare moment of vulnerability from an athlete often perceived as invincible.
One fan tweeted, “Mathieu van der Poel almost cramped and still podiumed. When I cramp, I just lie down and cry.”
Others saw the admission as a reason to appreciate Van der Poel even more. “He’s not a machine,” wrote another. “He feels pain, he pushes through it, and he still inspires every ride.”
What’s Next for Van der Poel?
Looking ahead, Van der Poel is scheduled to race in several more cyclocross events before shifting focus to the 2026 road racing season, including the Tour of Flanders and Paris-Roubaix, where he’ll aim to defend his titles and cement his legacy even further.
But if there’s one thing clear from his recent comments, it’s that no matter how many victories he piles up, Van der Poel still rides at the edge of his limits — and that’s what makes him so compelling.
“The pain is part of it,” he said, closing his interview. “I’ve said it many times, and I’ll probably keep saying it — because when you push like this, cramps are always just a pedal stroke away.”
Even at his limit, Mathieu van der Poel continues to lead from the front — heart pounding, legs burning, and fans watching in awe.
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