WHY DOES MATHIEU VAN DER POEL SEEM TO HAVE SO MANY HATERS DESPITE HIS INCREDIBLE TALENT AND DOMINANCE IN CYCLING?…..SEE WHY…..
In the world of professional cycling, few names shine brighter right now than Mathieu van der Poel. A dominant force on the road, in cyclocross, and even mountain biking, van der Poel has etched his name into the sport’s elite class. Yet, despite his brilliance, there’s a growing conversation among fans and pundits: why does he seem to have so many critics?
Van der Poel, grandson of French cycling legend Raymond Poulidor and son of Dutch cyclist Adrie van der Poel, came into the sport with immense expectations — and arguably has exceeded them. He’s won the Tour of Flanders twice, claimed World Championship titles in multiple disciplines, and delivered some of the most electrifying performances in recent cycling history. So where does the hate come from?
Part of the answer lies in the nature of modern sports fandom. In an age where athletes are scrutinized under the microscope of social media and 24-hour coverage, strong opinions are inevitable — especially when someone dominates. Van der Poel rides aggressively, sometimes bordering on reckless in the eyes of some fans. He’s known for attacking early, going solo from distance, and shaking up the usual strategies teams plan for. While many praise this bravery, others label it as arrogance.
“He doesn’t always race smart,” said one cycling commentator recently. “He races on instinct and ego, and while it makes for great TV, purists sometimes take issue with it.”
Another factor is his rivalry with other popular cyclists like Wout van Aert and Tadej Pogačar. Whenever van der Poel edges out van Aert — something he has done in major classics — it sparks online debate. Their rivalry, rooted in years of cyclocross battles, has divided fans into camps, with social media fueling a tribal mentality that turns admiration for one rider into animosity toward the other.
“He beat Wout again, and Twitter went insane,” one fan wrote after this year’s Paris-Roubaix. “It’s like people forget they’re both legends in the making.”
Additionally, van der Poel’s confidence, occasionally interpreted as cockiness, has not helped. In post-race interviews, he’s candid, sometimes blunt. He speaks with assurance — not unusual for a top athlete — but in cycling, where humility is often celebrated, this rubs some fans the wrong way.
Yet, behind the perceived ego is a tireless worker. Those close to van der Poel describe a focused, respectful, and driven competitor who loves his sport deeply. His commitment to racing year-round, switching disciplines without long off-seasons, is unheard of in modern cycling. He doesn’t just talk big; he delivers.
“He’s not afraid to fail,” said former pro and analyst Robbie McEwen. “That’s what people should admire — not criticize. He races with heart.”
Of course, some of the backlash may simply be the cost of greatness. Every sport has its polarizing stars: athletes who split opinion, whose excellence invites both awe and animosity. LeBron James, Cristiano Ronaldo, Novak Djokovic — van der Poel fits into that mold. His talent is undeniable, and with that comes a spotlight many never face.
Cycling journalist Hannah McLean believes van der Poel is a “victim of his own style.” She explains, “The people who love traditional, team-based tactics struggle with a rider like Mathieu. He disrupts the peloton. He changes the flow of a race. And he often wins.”
The media, too, plays a role. Headlines focus on drama — mid-race gestures, rival clashes, controversial quotes. Clicks come faster with conflict, and van der Poel’s high-profile status means even small incidents are magnified.
Despite the criticism, van der Poel’s fan base remains massive. He’s a household name in the Netherlands and Belgium, packs venues at cyclocross events, and has global appeal thanks to his multi-disciplinary success. For every critic online, there are dozens of fans waving orange flags and cheering his name along cobbled climbs.
And perhaps that’s the clearest answer to the question. Van der Poel has haters because he matters. He’s not just another rider. He’s a figure who evokes emotion — positive or negative. In sports, that’s the true mark of impact.
As he continues to rewrite cycling history with each passing season, the voices of criticism may grow louder, but so will the cheers. Because whether you love him or not, you can’t ignore him. Mathieu van der Poel isn’t just racing — he’s defining an era.
