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.