Double Cycling World Champion Mathieu van der Poel Loses Bet—Now Faces the Ultimate Test: An Ironman
Mathieu van der Poel is no stranger to pushing the limits of endurance and athletic excellence. A two-time UCI Road World Champion, reigning cyclocross legend, and Monument winner, the Dutch superstar has cemented himself as one of the most versatile and dominant riders of his generation. But even for a world-class athlete, there’s a new frontier looming: the Ironman triathlon.
In a twist that left fans equal parts amused and amazed, van der Poel recently revealed he had lost a bet with a close friend during a post-race gathering earlier this summer. The wager? If he didn’t win a specific training sprint against teammate Jasper Philipsen during their pre-Tour de France camp, he’d have to sign up for—and complete—an Ironman triathlon before the end of 2026. As fate would have it, van der Poel didn’t cross the finish line first, and now he’s staring down the barrel of one of the most grueling endurance events in the world.
A Bet Gone Big
Speaking during a light-hearted interview at a recent team event for Alpecin–Deceuninck, van der Poel laughed off the outcome of the bet, but confirmed he is serious about honoring it.
“I’m a man of my word,” he said. “It started out as a joke, but here we are. I’ve done some crazy races in my life, but an Ironman is something completely different. I’ll need to learn to swim properly first—and run a marathon after 180 kilometers on the bike? That’s another level!”
The Ironman triathlon comprises a 3.86 km (2.4-mile) swim, 180.25 km (112-mile) bike ride, and a full 42.2 km (26.2-mile) marathon, all completed back-to-back. While van der Poel’s background in cycling clearly gives him a massive advantage on the bike leg, the swim and run disciplines will require a steep and unfamiliar learning curve.
Still, this isn’t the first time van der Poel has stepped outside his comfort zone. Over the years, he’s won world-class titles across cyclocross, road cycling, and mountain biking—often against specialists in each discipline. His ability to transfer skills between these sports is well documented. But Ironman triathlons are not just a test of power; they are a test of patience, nutrition, mental toughness, and strategic pacing.
The Sporting World Reacts
News of van der Poel’s new challenge spread quickly across the sporting world, and reactions have ranged from admiration to pure disbelief. Fellow cyclists, triathletes, and fans took to social media to express their support—and to poke a bit of fun.
Geraint Thomas, 2018 Tour de France winner and fellow endurance enthusiast, tweeted:
“Someone tell MVDP that an Ironman isn’t just a harder Paris-Roubaix with a swim warm-up. Best of luck, mate!”
Kristian Blummenfelt, reigning Olympic triathlon champion and former Ironman World Champion, also chimed in with encouragement:
“If you need swim tips or run drills, hit me up. Would love to see you on the start line in Kona one day.”
Can He Do It?
Few athletes in the world are better equipped than van der Poel to take on such a daunting task. His aerobic engine, competitive spirit, and ability to endure pain have all been on display throughout his cycling career. But transitioning to an event that often requires six to fifteen months of specific preparation is no small feat.
When asked which Ironman he’s considering, van der Poel remained vague. “There are a few interesting races in Europe that I’m looking at,” he said. “But it depends on my schedule. I still have goals in cycling, especially the Classics and defending the world title. I won’t compromise that.”
His team, Alpecin–Deceuninck, has reportedly given him the green light to pursue the challenge—provided it doesn’t interfere with his main racing calendar.
A New Chapter?
What started as a friendly bet may soon become another career-defining moment for Mathieu van der Poel. Should he complete an Ironman, he would join a rarefied class of elite athletes who have succeeded across completely different disciplines. While he may not be trading in his rainbow jersey for a tri-suit anytime soon, the prospect of seeing one of cycling’s most explosive riders tackle the ultimate endurance event is tantalizing.
Win or lose, one thing is clear: van der Poel’s competitive fire burns brighter than ever. And with every stroke, pedal, and stride, fans around the world will be cheering him on—because when Mathieu van der Poel sets his mind to something, the extraordinary is always just around the corner.
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