Mathieu van der Poel

The greatest rider in the world? Multi-discipline superstar MVDP has been setting new standards since he first exploded onto the scene at Amstel Gold Race in 2019.

It’s been an edge-of-your-seat thrill ride ever since.

Combining generational levels of raw talent with a fearless, relentlessly attacking riding style, MVDP burst onto the road racing scene with a string of standout performances in the 2019 Classics season.

His final flourish of that Spring – a moment that crash-landed him into the wider cycling consciousness – was a victory at Amstel Gold Race that will go down as one of the greatest performances of all time.

Single handedly dragging the chase group across a huge gap to then lead himself out and sprint to overhaul the final leader right on the line, MVDP created a moment of spine-tingling excitement that we’ll never forget.

Since then, he’s continued to build his legacy with season after season of unforgettable highlights.

In a generation of greats, he might just be the greatest.

Of course, what makes Mathieu truly special isn’t just his ability on the road.

He has been the dominant rider in cyclocross for the best part of a decade, racking up 222 wins (and counting) since the junior ranks. He also owns six elite rainbow jerseys – earning four from the last five world championships – and has redefined what people thought was possible on a cross bike.

During a brief spell in cross country mountain biking a few years back, he won three World Cups and was the favourite for the Tokyo Olympics before a rather famous mishap. He has hung up the MTB to focus on the road and cross – for now.

It all goes to show that whatever Mathieu does, wins are an inevitable – and joyful – part of the journey. Canyon is delighted that we’ll be there with him for the next ten years of the ride.