Cross. MTB. Road. Gravel: Mathieu van der Poel is the Multi-Discipline Superstar of a Generation – And He Does It All on Canyon
In a sport increasingly defined by specialization, Mathieu van der Poel has broken the mold. Cyclocross, mountain biking, road racing, and gravel — he dominates every surface he touches. The 29-year-old Dutch phenom is not just a cycling talent; he’s a generational force who redefines what’s possible on two wheels. And through every twist, climb, and sprint, there’s been one constant under him: Canyon Bicycles.
With his aggressive riding style, intuitive racing instincts, and breathtaking performances across disciplines, van der Poel has emerged as cycling’s ultimate all-rounder. He’s not just good in multiple arenas — he’s world-class. In an age where most riders pick a lane, Mathieu rides them all.
From Mud to Mountains: A Cyclocross King
Mathieu van der Poel’s cycling story begins in the mud-slicked, obstacle-strewn world of cyclocross, where he first made his name. With lightning-quick accelerations, masterful bike handling, and a mental toughness forged through frigid winters and treacherous terrains, van der Poel quickly rose to dominance.
He has claimed five Elite World Championships (2015, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2023) in cyclocross and is considered one of the greatest in the discipline’s history. In races that demand balance, skill, and bursts of violent speed, he’s shown an unmatched ability to adapt on the fly.
Canyon’s Inflite CF SLX cyclocross bike became an extension of his athletic prowess — lightweight, agile, and perfectly engineered for the chaos of CX racing. Together, they created a modern dynasty.
Road Racing Royalty
When van der Poel transitioned more seriously into road racing, many wondered if he could replicate his off-road success on tarmac. The answer came quickly — and emphatically.
In 2021, he stunned the world by winning Stage 2 of the Tour de France and wearing the yellow jersey for six days. But that was just the beginning. He has notched victories in some of cycling’s biggest one-day classics:
- 2023 Milan–San Remo – A race he won with a jaw-dropping solo attack.
- 2023 Paris–Roubaix – Where he danced over the brutal cobbles to take victory.
- 2024 Tour of Flanders – A race that perfectly suits his explosive style and tactical acumen.
Canyon’s Aeroad and Ultimate CFR bikes have powered his road triumphs — optimized for speed, aerodynamic precision, and handling. Whether storming up the Poggio in San Remo or thundering over the pavé of Northern France, van der Poel and Canyon have become an iconic duo on the road.
Mountain Bike Medalist
Van der Poel’s mountain bike credentials are equally jaw-dropping. He has multiple World Cup podiums and a European Championship title in cross-country MTB. Despite splitting time across disciplines, he’s shown he can hang with — and beat — the best dedicated mountain bikers in the world.
His primary weapon? The Canyon Lux — a full-suspension machine designed for technical climbs, tight corners, and high-speed descents. It was aboard the Lux that he prepared for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, though a crash derailed his medal hopes. Still, his performances leading up to the Games solidified his place as a top MTB talent.
Gravel Greatness
As gravel cycling continues to rise in popularity, van der Poel has been at the forefront, blending the skills from all his disciplines into one. Gravel races demand endurance, power, and versatility — all of which MvdP has in spades.
His tool of choice for these grueling adventures is the Canyon Grail — a uniquely designed bike with a double-decker handlebar system that delivers comfort and control across miles of unpredictable terrain. Though he doesn’t race gravel as frequently, van der Poel’s impact on the scene is profound, helping push the category further into the mainstream.
Why Van der Poel and Canyon Work
The partnership between Mathieu van der Poel and Canyon is built on shared values: innovation, adaptability, and a relentless pursuit of performance. Canyon provides a full stable of elite bikes across every cycling category — a necessity for an athlete who competes year-round across four disciplines.
But it’s not just about the hardware. Canyon has tailored his setups with advanced data, aerodynamic testing, and rider feedback loops, allowing van der Poel to trust his equipment regardless of the terrain.
From launching solo attacks on the Muur van Geraardsbergen to bunny-hopping barriers in cyclocross, the synergy between rider and machine is undeniable.
A One-of-a-Kind Legacy
Mathieu van der Poel’s career is already legendary — and he’s far from finished. Few athletes in any sport compete — let alone win — at the highest levels of multiple disciplines simultaneously. He’s a world champion, a national hero, a Tour de France stage winner, a monument conqueror, and an Olympic hopeful.
He rides not just for titles, but for the thrill of attacking, surprising, and inspiring. His style is aggressive but intelligent. His resume is diverse but elite. And his commitment to pushing boundaries has made him a favorite not just in the Netherlands, but around the world.
Conclusion: One Rider. All Roads.
In an age where specialization reigns supreme, Mathieu van der Poel stands as a beacon of versatility and brilliance. Whether it’s the chaos of cyclocross, the drama of the Tour, the rugged dirt of gravel, or the precision of mountain bike trails, he competes with the same electrifying intensity.
And through it all, one brand has powered his journey — Canyon.
Together, they are redefining what it means to be a cyclist in the 21st century. Cross. MTB. Road. Gravel. MvdP rides them all — and wins them all — on Canyon.