“It’s the Saddest Moment of My Life”: Mathieu van der Poel, Dutch Cyclist, in Tears Over the Heartbreaking Loss of His Mother, Corinne Poulidor
In a heart-wrenching moment for the world of cycling, Dutch superstar Mathieu van der Poel has been struck by the most devastating personal tragedy—the loss of his beloved mother, Corinne Poulidor. Known for his steely determination and boundless talent on the bike, Van der Poel has always been a picture of strength, but in this moment, the weight of grief has proven overwhelming. As he grapples with the pain of losing the woman who supported and nurtured him throughout his career, he has expressed that this is, without a doubt, the saddest moment of his life.
### A Devastating Loss
Corinne Poulidor, the daughter of French cycling legend Raymond Poulidor and the wife of Adri van der Poel, was not only a mother but an integral figure in her son’s life and career. She passed away after a prolonged illness, and her death has left a profound void in the Van der Poel family. For Mathieu, who shares a close-knit bond with his family, her passing has hit particularly hard.
In a tearful statement released shortly after the news broke, Mathieu van der Poel expressed the deep sadness he feels at losing his mother. “It’s the saddest moment of my life,” Van der Poel said, his voice breaking with emotion. “She was my rock, my biggest supporter, and my guiding light. I wouldn’t be where I am today without her love and encouragement.”
The words struck a chord with fans and fellow athletes alike, as many know that Corinne had been an influential presence not only in her son’s cycling career but also in the wider cycling community. Her kindness, support, and love for the sport made her a beloved figure in her own right, even as she preferred to stay out of the spotlight.
### A Mother’s Influence
Corinne Poulidor, born into cycling royalty as the daughter of Raymond Poulidor, was deeply immersed in the world of professional cycling from a young age. Her father, famously known as “Pou-Pou,” was a national treasure in France, and although he never won the Tour de France, he was celebrated for his resilience and sportsmanship, finishing on the podium multiple times.
Corinne’s upbringing in a cycling-centric family meant that she understood the pressures and demands of the sport from an insider’s perspective. This knowledge was invaluable when she married Adri van der Poel, a successful Dutch cyclist who won numerous titles throughout his career, including the World Championship in cyclo-cross. Together, Corinne and Adri passed on their passion for cycling to their sons, Mathieu and David, who both followed in their father’s footsteps and became professional cyclists.
For Mathieu, his mother was a steady presence in his life, offering not only emotional support but also practical advice. She understood the mental and physical toll that competing at the highest level took on her son and was always there to offer encouragement, whether in victory or defeat. “She never pressured me,” Mathieu has said in previous interviews. “She always let me choose my own path, but she was always there for me, no matter what.”
Her influence on his career cannot be overstated. From the earliest days of his cycling journey, Corinne was there—cheering from the sidelines, offering guidance, and helping him maintain balance through the intense highs and lows of the sport. Her quiet strength became a source of comfort for Mathieu, and she remained his biggest fan throughout his career, watching with pride as he became one of the most versatile and accomplished cyclists of his generation.
### An Unbreakable Bond
Mathieu’s relationship with his mother went beyond the usual parent-child connection. They shared a deep, mutual understanding forged not just by their familial bond but also by their shared love for the sport. Cycling was the lifeblood of their family, with Corinne’s father and husband both being celebrated figures in the world of racing, but Mathieu’s rise to fame brought new pride and joy to Corinne’s life.
Through every race and every championship, Corinne remained by Mathieu’s side, whether physically or in spirit. She was there when he captured his monumental victories, such as his thrilling win at the Tour of Flanders in 2020, where he out-sprinted his rival Wout van Aert in a dramatic finish. She was also there for the quieter moments, offering words of wisdom and support when injuries or setbacks threatened to derail his career.
This loss has left Mathieu grappling with the stark reality of life without the person who has been his steadfast support. His grief is not just for the loss of a mother but for the loss of a guiding force, a source of unending love, and someone who understood him in a way few others could.
### A Cycling Legacy
The Van der Poel-Poulidor family’s legacy in the world of cycling is unparalleled. Corinne Poulidor, though never a competitor herself, played an instrumental role in shaping this legacy. Her father, Raymond Poulidor, left an indelible mark on the sport, and her husband Adri van der Poel added to the family’s storied history with his own championship-winning career.
But it is Mathieu who has perhaps done the most to carry on this cycling dynasty. Known for his incredible versatility, Mathieu has excelled in road racing, cyclo-cross, and mountain biking, winning world titles across multiple disciplines. His aggressive, fearless style of racing has made him a fan favorite, and his ability to dominate in a range of cycling formats has earned him comparisons to some of the greatest cyclists in history.
It is a testament to Corinne Poulidor’s influence that Mathieu has remained so grounded and focused throughout his career. Despite the immense pressure that comes with being part of a family steeped in cycling history, Mathieu has carved out his own path while honoring the legacy of those who came before him. His mother’s steady hand helped him navigate the often turbulent waters of professional sports, ensuring that he stayed true to himself and his goals.
### A Community in Mourning
As the cycling world rallies around Mathieu and his family in this difficult time, the outpouring of support has been overwhelming. Fans, fellow cyclists, and sports figures from across the globe have expressed their condolences, offering words of comfort and sharing memories of Corinne’s warmth and generosity.
One of the most touching tributes came from Wout van Aert, Mathieu’s long-time rival and friend, who expressed his sorrow at the loss. “Mathieu, my heart goes out to you,” Van Aert wrote on social media. “Your mother was an incredible woman, and I know how much she meant to you. Stay strong, my friend.”
Corinne’s passing has left a void not only in the lives of her family but in the wider cycling community as well. Her quiet yet powerful influence on the sport, through her son’s remarkable achievements, will be remembered for years to come.
### Moving Forward
As Mathieu van der Poel navigates the most challenging period of his life, he has vowed to carry on his mother’s legacy. Though devastated by her loss, he knows that Corinne would want him to continue pursuing his dreams with the same passion and dedication she always encouraged. Her memory will undoubtedly be a source of strength for him as he moves forward, both on and off the bike.
In the end, while the world has lost a remarkable woman, Corinne Poulidor’s spirit will live on through her son and the incredible impact she had on his life.
