Video: This is home with Mathieu van der Poel
This new short film by Shimano captures the roads, rhythms and riding philosophy behind one of cycling’s most dynamic champions: Mathieu van der Poel.
Ahead of Mathieu’s bid to become the first rider ever to win four consecutive Paris-Roubaix titles, this new new short film offers unprecedented access and a rare glimpse into the landscapes and daily rituals that continue to shape one of cycling’s most compelling athletes.
Van der Poel had never granted such a high level of access before. On the subject, he said: “We felt it was the right moment to show a more complete picture of who I am. As an athlete, but also as a person. Shimano approached it in a respectful way, which gave us the confidence to open up a bit more than usual. Shimano and I – and also the team – have a long history together, which made it feel right.”
Known for redefining modern racing across road, cyclocross, and mountain bike disciplines, Van der Poel has built a career on explosive performances and instinctive riding. Yet “This is Home” shifts the focus away from podiums and toward something more elemental: the routes that quietly support elite performance.
Filmed on familiar training terrains he calls home around Antwerp and Moraira. The film captures Van der Poel riding through the landscapes that have shaped his career, enjoying downtime with his girlfriend, Roxanne Bertels, and their dog, Lola. This is where his generational talent finds the comfort and support needed to achieve mastery. These are the roads where preparation happens. The steady miles, the repeated climbs, the rhythm of a rider returning again and again to the same places in pursuit of mastery.
A Generational Talent
Born into one of cycling’s most storied bloodlines, Van der Poel grew up with the sport woven into everyday life. His grandfather, Raymond Poulidor, embodied resilience. His father, Adri van der Poel, epitomized discipline. But legacy is not destiny, it is responsibility.
From a young age, Mathieu showed the ability to make racing feel unscripted. In cyclocross, he dominated the Cyclocross World Championships with an almost playful authority. Mud became momentum. Obstacles became invitations.
On the road, he evolved again. Monument victories at races like Paris-Roubaix confirmed his status not just as a crossover talent, but as a defining rider of his era. At the Tour de France, he animated stages with fearless intent. Racing on instinct, but never without control.
The message of “This is Home” extends beyond elite racing. The film is a reminder that even the world’s greatest riders remain grounded in the place where passion meets everyday life. Home. For fans who have watched Van der Poel light up the sport’s biggest stages, the film offers a more complete perspective: the environment that continues to shape the rider behind the victories. //