Unbelievable Move: Cycling Superstar Mathieu van der Poel Donates $70 Million to Empower Less-Privileged Youth – But There’s More to the Story…
In a remarkable and unexpected act of generosity, world-renowned cyclist Mathieu van der Poel has announced a monumental $70 million donation to a global initiative designed to empower less-privileged youth through sport, education, and mentorship. The move, unveiled during a surprise press event in Amsterdam, has not only stunned the cycling world but ignited a powerful conversation about athletes using their platforms for deeper impact beyond the podium.
Van der Poel, known for his dominance across road racing, cyclocross, and mountain biking, has long been admired for his discipline and humility. But this latest gesture reveals a deeper layer to the Dutch champion—a commitment to creating a legacy that reaches far beyond medals and jerseys.
“I’ve won races, I’ve lifted trophies,” van der Poel said as he addressed the media, standing in front of a group of wide-eyed children from youth cycling clubs. “But the real victory is creating a path for the kids who never had the chance to even start the race.”
The donation will launch “Ride for Change,” a global youth-focused foundation that will provide bicycles, educational tools, mentorship programs, and access to safe training environments for children from underprivileged communities around the world. The foundation’s goal is to use cycling not just as a sport—but as a tool for transformation.
Ride for Change will begin operations in five key regions: The Netherlands, Belgium, Rwanda, Colombia, and Indonesia—countries where cycling is either deeply rooted or where access to sport and education remains limited. The first development centers are set to open later this year, with a full rollout planned through 2026.
The foundation will focus on four main pillars:
1. Access to Equipment & Safe Spaces – Providing bikes, helmets, and safe riding environments for youth in remote or underserved areas.
2. Education & Training – Partnering with schools to offer literacy programs, STEM learning, and bike mechanic workshops.
3. Mentorship & Life Skills – Connecting youth with local athletes and leaders for personal growth, discipline, and leadership development.
4. Competition & Opportunity – Hosting youth cycling races and development camps to identify talent and promote inclusion at the grassroots level.
Van der Poel revealed that the idea for the initiative was born during a visit to a rural village in Rwanda last year, where he was struck by the potential of the children—and the overwhelming lack of opportunity.
“I saw kids with no shoes riding rusted bicycles for hours just to go to school,” he recalled. “Their spirit was unbreakable. I thought, ‘What could happen if they had real support?’ That question never left me.”
The $70 million donation will cover infrastructure, staffing, equipment, and programming for the next decade. But van der Poel was clear: this isn’t a one-off gesture.
“I’m in this for the long term,” he said. “This isn’t charity—it’s investment. Investment in potential that’s been overlooked for too long.”
Reactions to the announcement have poured in from all corners of the sporting world. Tour de France director Christian Prudhomme called the move “a defining moment for cycling,” while rival cyclists like Wout van Aert and Tadej Pogačar publicly praised van der Poel’s commitment to global youth empowerment.
“This is how champions should lead,” van Aert tweeted. “Respect to Mathieu for thinking beyond the finish line.”
Beyond cycling, UNICEF and UNESCO representatives have expressed interest in partnering with Ride for Change to further expand its educational and child development components.
Van der Poel also announced that his sponsors—including Canyon, Alpecin-Deceuninck, and Shimano—have pledged additional support through product donations and logistics for the foundation’s rollout.
But perhaps the most powerful moment of the event came when a 12-year-old aspiring cyclist from Utrecht approached the microphone, struggling to find words.
“Thank you, Mr. Mathieu,” he said quietly. “Now I believe I can be something.”
Van der Poel bent down, placed a hand on the boy’s shoulder, and replied, “You already are.”
