Mathieu van der Poel, the reigning world champion in road cycling and a multi-discipline cycling star, has announced that he and his partner, Roxanne Bertels, are expecting their first child. The professional cyclist confirmed the news to his followers, marking a significant personal milestone for the Dutch athlete during the off-season.
The announcement, which was shared across social media platforms, was accompanied by the caption “Bébé VDP,” signaling the couple’s transition into parenthood. The news has been met with widespread support from the cycling community and fans of the Alpecin-Deceuninck rider.
A Personal Milestone for the World Champion
Van der Poel, 29, has maintained a high-profile career, recently securing victories in major classics and the world road race championship. Despite the intensity of his professional calendar, which includes a demanding mix of cyclocross, road racing, and mountain biking, the cyclist has kept his private life relatively shielded. The confirmation of the pregnancy provides a rare glimpse into his life away from the peloton.
Roxanne Bertels, who has been a consistent presence at major race finishes and podium ceremonies, shared in the announcement. The couple has been together for several years, with Bertels frequently supporting Van der Poel through the physical and mental rigors of the professional cycling circuit.
Impact on the Professional Cycling Calendar
For fans and followers of the sport, the question of how this development might influence Van der Poel’s upcoming season is natural. As of the latest updates, there has been no indication from his team, Alpecin-Deceuninck, that this personal news will alter his scheduled participation in upcoming races.
Professional cyclists often manage family life alongside rigorous travel and training schedules. Van der Poel is known for a structured approach to his training, typically spending significant time at altitude camps and team-specific performance centers. While the arrival of a first child represents a major life adjustment, high-level athletes in the sport frequently balance these commitments with the support of their team staff and families.
Context of the 2025 Season
Van der Poel is coming off a highly successful period in his career, having solidified his status as one of the most versatile riders in modern cycling history. The upcoming season is expected to be another busy one, with a focus on the spring classics—races where he has historically excelled, including the Tour of Flanders and Paris-Roubaix.
The cycling world now watches with interest as the athlete prepares for both his duties as a team leader and his new responsibilities as a father. While no specific due date has been publicly disclosed, the announcement suggests a positive start to the new year for the Van der Poel household.
As the professional peloton prepares for the early-season races in the coming months, Van der Poel remains one of the primary favorites in any event he chooses to enter. His ability to perform at the highest level while managing significant life changes will continue to be a subject of interest for cycling analysts and supporters alike.
Official updates regarding his competition schedule are expected to be released by Alpecin-Deceuninck in the coming weeks as the team finalizes its rosters for the 2025 season openers. Fans can follow his official team channels for confirmed race entries and further updates on his preparation.
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