Wat een feest is Sporza toch. Elke dag besef ik me hoe we in Nederland achterlopen met de diepgang die de wielersport te bieden heeft. Ik heb het uur integraal Moto 1 al 5 keer bekeken. En alle docu's over het veldrijden en de individuele strijders. Dank u vriendelijk namens uw Noorderburen! (Wel jammer van de geoblockades af en toe maar een kleinigheidje blijf je houden.)
Wat een weergaloos gesprek. Heerlijk hoe hij de vragen beantwoord, maar ook de manier waarop ze gesteld worden. Echt een van de beste interviews de afgelopen jaren!!
MvdP is not only a top-class cyclist, he is a true human being, This interview is so down to earth the way he answers the questions. the interviewer is also top class. The way he talks about his fellow sportsman is to admire, especially about Wout. I admire both these guys as they give us so much joy in the wielersport!! I live for the last 41 years in New Zealand but never lost my roots regarding the wielersport. I competed for 22 years and was provincial champion here in NZ. But back to Mathieu, he is in every way the most admirable cyclist the world has ever seen. For the sixth time world champ cross/veld rijden, I just wonder what he will show us in the next few months during the klassiekers/monuments!! I predict he will win a few!!!!!!!!
Wederzijds respect, oprechte meningen, bescheiden doch assertieve houding, en na al die jaren toch nog genoeg verrassende verhalen. Aangenaam om te mogen aanschouwen. Chapeau Sporza!
Dank u weer prachtig dit, kunnen we in Nederland heel veel van leren van onze zuider buren geweldige reportages , Mathieu blijft Mathieu met beide benen nuchter op de grond wat een geweldenaar.
Geweldig interview van Ruben en Mathieu, wat een interessante vragen en correcte antwoorden, een intelligent interview. Bedankt en respect voor beiden.
Echt een top interview! Chapeau Sporza. Leuke vragen, goede sfeer, leuke antwoorden, goed inhoudelijk maar toch relaxed. Ja ik heb genoten van dit interview!
Attempt to translate part (4): BEATING WOUT IN THE TOUR OF FLANDERS Interviewer: Next photo, what do you see? VDP: My Rival, since we were both very young. Interviewer: what a race! VDP: Yes indeed. I don’t think that much about my victories, but I still thought about this one. If you know where we come from as rivals … to ride with the two of us to the finish line in the Tour of Flanders. It’s something you are allowed to think about. Interviewer: It is an incredible sports story you both made. Is this the photo that will define your carreer? VDP: Ehm … Maybe, yes. Interviewer: It could become an iconic image of Mathieu Van der Poel. VDP: For sure of the Tour The Flanders. If I would have watched the race on TV, and two of the top favourites rode to the finish line and were sprinting for victory, I would have been running trough the room I guess. Interviewer: Cycling needs it, that rivalry: Boonen-Cancellara, Museeuw-Vanpeteghem, VanderPoel-Van Aert. We need it. VDP: Yes I think so, I said it not that long ago. We owe each other a lot. When you take one of us away, it is a hole different perspective for the spectator. Every sport needs a bit of rivalry. interviewer: Do you have a mental advantage on Wout? VDP: No, I don’t think so. Interviewer: You have beaten him more, than he has beaten you? VDP: yeah, but we have an other project. He has given me ‘mental punches’, I have given him ‘mental punches’. I think it only makes us better. Interviewer: Wout is a true sportsman and a grown up guy. You can give a mental uppercut, but you can also beat him in a hand-to-hand duel in the Tour of Flanders. That’s more than a mental uppercut, no? VDP: Yes, that’s true. He has had a fantastic season, won a lot of fantastic races. But when I look at it from the other side, if I would have won the most beautiful races that season, but if you lose the Tour Of Flanders, with a couple of centimeters, that always hurts, even if you have won so many races before. Now I am the one who has comes off as the winner, but it could easily have been the other way around. Interviewer: Do you think that if he would have started the spring earlier, of the speed would have been higher, that he could have beaten you? VDP: I don’t like ‘if-questions’. The sprint is over now. If I had to do it again, maybe also I would to it a little bit different. Interviewer: Much has been written about that sprint. Yes. But the fact he doensn’t start from far (eg. 250m) … maybe it’s a sign he wansn’t that good anymore at that point, as was the case for me. But maybe I reach one of my best numbers ever (power?) in that sprint. Interviewer: probably incredible numbers? VDP: You’re sprinting for the Tour Of Flanders. That’s something I kept saying to myself. You can lose it with a couple of centimers, and then maybe never win it. Sometimes you only get one chance to win such a race. Interviewer: so it’s a mindset that starts a couple of kilometers from the finish line? VDP: Yes, normally I don’t do that. I kept saying to myself that my season was good, but that it could be a fantastic season. I thought off the average/bad races in Italy. I boosted myself mentally for the sprint, something I normally don’t do a lot. Interviewer: so for you there wasn’t any doubt: you were going to win that sprint? VDP: Actually, yes. Interviewer: because if you think you can lose, you lose? VDP: Yes, perhaps that’s enough. You always have to count on your own strengths. In my mind, I couldn’t lose that race. I had to sprint for my life. I wasn’t going to lose that race. Interviewer: did you watch the finale again on TV? VDP: not the entire final. I did watch some fragments. Sometimes I watch races again, to analyse. I watched fragments of the Paterberg, Kwaremont, Allaphillipe who collided with the motorbike, Koppenberg. So in the end, I watched the last 50km, but in fragments. Interviewer: You win a fantastic race, but you couldn’t celebrate it (partying). VDP: We dit actually. Only with our team in our hotel. We enjoyed it. Interviewer: Wat was your best performance in 2020? Tirreno, National Championships? VDP: I think the BinckBank Tour was one of my most best performances. But because of the ‘grandeur’ of the Tour Of Flanders, that race will be my best win. But in terms of physical performance, maybe other races were even better. But the Tour of Flanders is something else in terms of significance. Interviewer: You’ve won many worldtitles in cyclocross, and other big races. Do you feel the effect of winning these race (on the perception of the public)? VDP: It’s an odd time off course (Corona), but off course Flanders had a very big impact, maybe even bigger then winning the worlds Cyclocross, especially for the international spectators. Interviewer: If you re-watch the race: do you enjoy it, or do you still analyze? VDP: No I haven’t analyzed that race. Interviewer: it went almost perfect. (Dog: asks for attention)
yeah, youtube offers that functionality. hit the CC button at the bottom, and you'll then have dutch subtitles. then click the settings button at the bottom (the cog icon) and you can select the subtitles language
Attempt to translate part (8): MOUNTAINBIKING Interviewer: Pick another photo (european championships mountainbike?). VDP: That’s a race I still remember good. I didn’t finish that race. In the road race I finished second, behind Trentin. Van Aert finished thirth. That race (European championship mountainbike) was the moment I realized how specific mountain biking is. I trained on the road, to be in top condition. I thought it was enough to do well in mountain biking, but that was not the case. Interviewer: why is it more specifik than for example cyclocross? VDP: it’s more climbing. Mountainbikers are often lichtweights. Also the technical aspect. I think I’m one of the best in cyclocross in terms of technique, but in mountain biking, I’m the middle bracket in terms of technique. It has been a proces, but in the end it turned out fine. interviewer: do you have a long way to go towards the Olympic Games? VDP: Last year, I was where I wanted to be (condition/technique). Now, there is a year gone in which I haven’t mountainbiked, so is remains a big question. Interviewer: are the cancellation of the games positive for you, of negative? VDP: Negative! I was ready last year. Interviewer: maybe you will rock it this year. VDP: Yeah, but it remains uncertain. Last year I rode almost all World Cups. I knew where I stood in comparision with the other riders. My bike position was good. Now I have ridden my mountainbike twice this year. Reporter: so your preparation will not be perfect? VDP: It’s gonne be hard, especially with the Tour De France. The Combination with the classics (eg. Tour of Flanders) is doable, but the date of the Tour de France is not good. Reporter: You prepare years and years for the Olympics, and then it becomes difficult. It’s not impossible (to get a good result), but… VDP: No, not impossible. But is has become much more difficult. Reporter: A quote from your sports director: “Mathieu has al the signs of a highly intelligent (gifted) cyclist: he can do everything, but he is bored very quickly”. VDP: That’s true. That’s the reason I started mountainbiking a couple of years ago. Reporter: Does the mountainbike story stops after Tokio? VDP: No, I don’t think so. I don’t know, but I don’t think so. I really want to try to combine all three discipline as long as possible. Reporter: Because you like it, or because it increases your market value? VDP: In the first instance, I do it because I like it. I don’t do mountainbiking because of the market value. I really fell in love with the sport. Interviewer: Do you think you get saturated fast? VDP: If I only would have done one discipline, it would already have been the case. Reporter: Then it becomes a Sagan-story, I guess. VDP: If I stayed in cyclocross only, it would have been the case already, I’m 100 percent sure of that. Reporter: So, the variety gives you a sort of mental rest and space? VDP: yeah, for sure. The 15 races I do in the winter breaks the routine of the road races. Most of the road racers are doing long distance training in Spain. I’m not convinced that’s the best preparation for me.
Attempt to translate part (1): INTRO Interviewer: Mathieu Van der Poel, hello. VDP: Hello Interviewer: I’m going to start drinking that amazing coffee you just made for me. Did you get a taste for it? VDP: Maybe he’s cold now. I did get a taste for it a little bit. It has become a trend among cyclistst I guess. Interviewer: How long have you been working on it? VDP: Half a year I guess, I started it out of boredom because of Corona. Interviewer: Is it a fun occupation for you? VDP: yeah, for sure. It’s nice to do in the morning. Interviewer: When I read between the lines: like usual, you strive for perfection. VDP: Yes, indeed. It (coffee making) is something I try to excel in, but at the moment I’m not that great yet. Interviewer: We don’t have to expect you on the world championship for baristas in the near future? VDP: No, not at all, it’s just fun. Interviewer: But, he’s delicious! VDP: Yeah, i’m happy with the taste. Interviewer: I’m surprised, because I use the same brand - which we’re not gonna mention - but I’ve never steamed the coffee with oat milk. VDP: The milk is a barista edition actually, but … Interviewer: Because oat milk doensn’t steam that easy. VDP: No, no that good, that’s the fun part, to try everything out. In the meantime I have tried all milk from the supermarket. Interviewer: So, this is barista oat milk. VDP: Yes indeed, but I think full milk still is the best to steam. The taste is also the best. Interviewer: The most rich off course. VDP: Yes, indeed. Interviewer: Okay, We’re gonna look back on the year 2020. How many points do you give yourself for the year 2020, the odd year 2020. VDP: It’s very difficult. I would give myself an eight I think. I told the story of my beginning of the season already a lot of times, but the start of the season wasn’t good. Interviewer: Did you train to hard? VDP: I think so, yes. During Corona I felt very good. The season was allowed to start every moment for me. Maybe I have been to diligent because you never knew when the season was gonna kick off. I wanted to be 200 percent ready. Interviewer: Didn’t you have a reflex to slow down, when you for example did two hard trainings in a row? VDP: No, not really, just because it was so much fun. I have trained almost every day with Stybar. Off course I would like to have been better in Italy, but I enjoyed training with him. We got to know each other better, we get along very well. It was fun and riding fast at the same time. We rode quite long actually and never under 35 km/u average, just the two of us. We stopped 2-3 times at the bakery. It was awesome. I don’t know (yet) if it went wrong there. I think it went wrong on altitude training, because before I left on altitude, there was nothing that indicated I wasn’t good. When I returned from training altitude, I realized something was wrong. Interviewer: I’m gonna put these photo’s on this gorgeous table. I suspect the table is a choice of Roxanne (girlfriend of Mathieu). VDP: Yes, one of the best girlfriends of Roxanne had an interior shop. Interviewer: I brought some photo’s, you can turn them over one by one in a minute. What did you learn from the year 2020? VDP: Sport needs the fans, that’s for sure. Not only our sport, but all sports. Interviewer: You decide the sequence of this conversation. I don’t know which photos lays where, so turn one over. VDP: I’m gonne start with this one, Allaphilipe. Interviewer: That’s the world championships VDP: Imola Interviewer: Yes.
Attempt to translate part (7): ROODHOOFT Interviewer: Take another picture. VDP: The brothers. Interviewer: What is the secret to keeping Mathieu Van de Poel in your team? What should you do, and what should you not do? VDP: (Thinking). I think our relationship is more friendly, so not boss or manager. Interviewer: You think that's comfortable? VDP: That means a lot to me. I have always been treated well, anything can be talked about. I've only had one fight with both brothers in my life. Interviewer: Can you describe what that was about? VDP: I still remember well my fight with Philippe, I don't remember anymore the one with Cristophe. With Philippe, it was after my knee injury, when I went to training with black pants that did not belong to the sponsor. So he was actually right. I wish I could say he wasn't right, but he was right. Interviewer: You have also been working together for a while, of course. VDP: I think I got my first bikes from them. Then I was a novice (category in cycling / cyclocross). Interviewer: If you haven't quarreled (or hardly ever) since then… VDP: Yes indeed. That is very important to me. Interviewer: it is a relatively small team, they have always been able to keep you with them. How do they convince you to stay with their team? And I'm not talking about the financial aspect. VDP: Yes that does play a role. I'm not going to be silly about that. I've always been well paid , very well in fact. I have never had to ask for a raise myself, they have always provided that themselves. That's really important. That's why I like to be with that team. I never had the feeling that I was underpaid, that's important. Interviewer: Do you think it will be like a Tom Boonen-story with you (he stayed long time with Quick Step)? VDP: That is possible, but I also do not rule out that I would change sometimes. But that is certainly not the case at the moment. Interviewer: Have you had many offers in the past, and who do you discuss those offers with? VDP: Not that many. Not necessarily with my father. We'll discuss it (he and his father). I haven't had any very concrete offers yet, but I've already had some. Interviewer: How close have you been to Patrick Lefevre, for example? (manager Quick Step) VDP: Not that close. I have never spoken directly to Patrick. He did talk to my father. I have always had a long term contract with my Philippe and Cristophe, and I will never break that contract. Interviewer: You are one of those five cyclists that every team wants. Then you are regularly asked if you are available, I assume? VDP: Yes, but I still have a contract until 2023, and that scares most teams. But teams do ask about my availability. Interviewer: When will this be discussed again (his contract)? VDP: It depends. That depends on the performance, but also what the team proposes. I never had to think long about my previous contract, I could sign for five years. That is a choice you make. I'm not going to sign for another team where I could get 10 percent (money) more. Interviewer: You used to have a reputation for not always listening to others opinion. Your father confirms that. VDP: I am quite stubborn, but I also think that is a positive trait because I want to choose my own path a bit. My dad confirms it, because he's stubborn too. That is a quality that I have from my father. I've gotten better at it. I have been working with Cristophe De Kegel (his trainer/performance manager of the team) for 2 years now. Interviewer: Was that a process? Were you convinced from the start of the usefulness of working with data? VDP: I was convinced pretty quickly. Not about everything yet, there are still things I'm not doing correctly. This weekend, for example, I know that Cristophe (De Kegel) is grouchy… Grouchy may have been said to much, but I drove without a heart rate monitor again this weekend. On Saturday after the cross, I immediately received a message asking if I wanted to take my watch with me. I have never liked to ride with a heart rate belt. I always ride with it on the road, but then your meter is on the bike. I don't like to drive with a watch. That is the only reason. Interviewer: It has nothing to do with the fact that you suddenly see a heart rate value ... VDP: No I don't look at it (during the race, at the screen to his heart rate value). No. But I see the usefulness of it. I try to do the best I can, but there are always things that I will do intuitively. Interviewer: We have three more photos, Mathieu, turn one more.
Attempt to translate part (3): PAPI RAYMOND POULIDOR Interviewer: I couldn’t leave this photo out, off course. VDP: This photo hangs in big format in the fitness room. Next to my indoor bike, I have a lot of nice attributes from him. I have his original racing shoes with his name on, I have spare stuff of a group of him (?). Interviewer: It’s a small Raymond Poulidor Museum? VDP: yes, but very small. I could show you later if you want. It’s little things, and it’s nice to have them in my house. I am sorry he hasn’t experienced Flanders. He also hasn’t seen me racing the Tour de France, that’s a shame. Interviewer: what do you feel if you watch the photo? VDP: More happiness, then sadness actually. I have very good memories of Papi, that’s nice. Interviewer: it’s been a little over a year now, do you think about him a lot? VDP: I’m reminded of it almost every day, but in a positive way, because I have that shelf with his stuff on it, and the photo in the gym. Not every day is hard, no. The only thing that bothers me is that I was never able to race the tour with him. Interviewer: What did you learn from him, that you always want to do yourself? VDP: his openness to fans, I think he was an example in that area. Incredible. Maybe sometimes a little too much. Too much isn’t possible off course, but he was really … He would never say no. Interviewer: I had the chanse to hang out with him two days in Lyon, not that long ago. He had driven hundred kilometers, we didn’t know each other, but it were two incredible warm days. He talked to everyone, incredible. VDP: That’s how he is, indeed. He could start stalking against persons he hadn’t seen before. That was very beautiful yes. Interviewer: Are you going to do the same? Can fans always count on Mathieu Van der Poel, as was the case with Raymond Poulidor? Do you look like him in some way? VDP: I have the same character, yes. My brother is more like him in appearance (looks).
Attempt to translate part (2): IMOLA Interviewer: Don’t you regret your choice to skip the worlds? VDP: When looking back, you never know. But I’ve won the Tour Of Flanders, Roubaix was canceled. So now you can say I made the right decision. Maybe if I’ve participated in Imola, the results in the latter stage of the season would have been the same, but it’s difficult to say. After the Tireno, I really neaded my altitude camp in Livigno to be in top condition. Interviewer: Were you unhappy with the cancellation of Roubaix? VDP: It was not that bad, because I won the Ronde Van Vlaanderen. Interviewer: It would have been a wet edition? VDP: Yeah, for sure, that would have been a dream. But the euphoria of winning Flanders, was bigger than the disappointment of Roubaix. Of course my condition was good at that time, but the same could be said about the other riders. Interviewer: Winning The Tour of Flanders softens the pain? VDP: Yeah, something like that. Interviewer: I suppose you watched the worlds on TV? VDP: Yes. Interviewer: Do you watch it with the idea you could have been in the front group if you would have been in top condition? VDP: No, I don’t think so. The last climb was too hard. Maybe I could have finished top 10, but to say I would be in that elite group … No. Interviewer: So, the group with Fuglsang, Van Aert. That group wouldn’t have been possible to be in? VDP: Maybe on a super day, but even then I think I would have been in the next chasing group. Interviewer: So, then you sit in your chair watching TV, without a bad feeling. Because you don’t want to ride the race to be in top 10. VDP: That’s not entirely true. I understand what you trying to say. If there would have been 20 riders who survived the last hill and who would sprint for victory, then I would have been disappointed (cursing), but not now. Certainly not, because Julian (Allaphillipe) wins, with whom I have a quite good relationship. I’m happy for him. I think he’s one of the most beautiful world champions, it’s good for our sport. Interviewer: Off course, he’s one of the athletes everyone looks up to. Are you already thinking of the Worlds in Leuven? VDP: No, I live for one goal at a time. The attention to the World Championship in Leuven will come if my preparation for that goal starts. For now, I’m only thinking of the Worlds Cyclocross in Oostende. Interviewer: Do you recognize Allaphilipe’s in yourself? His style of riding, who he is as a person? VDP: Yes, style of riding for sure. He is, like me, a very attacking rider who doensn’t pay that much attention to tactics. He trusts his own strengths. I think he is a very nice figure for our sport. I don’t know if he has the same personality as myself. I have a good relationship with him. But I don’t hear him on a daily basis, sometimes we send messages to each other. Interviewer: He’s a happy person/kid? VDP: Yeah for sure, he’s also very good at putting things into perspective. Interviewer: Is that something you like? It’s something typical for The VanderPoels (family)? VDP: Absolutely, he realizes that there is something besides cycling in the world. For example, For me, the moment he wins that stage and the yellow jersey in the Tour De France, for his father who passed away, moved me very much. I don’t think there are a lot of riders who didn’t liked that he won, that says a lot. Interviewer: He has a bit of ADHD. Is that something that’s inside you also? Or are you different in that respect? VDP: In the past more than now. I’m calmer now. Interviewer: How? By getting older or by settling down? VDPB: I guess by getting older. I still have quite some energy, but not like before. I also learned to rest. Sometimes I thougth: Alaphilippe, what are you doing man? But he doesn’t do those things on purpose, it’s just who he is. For me, he can remain as he is, I don’t think he has to change something. Interviewer: How do you learn to rest? VDP: Because of the trainings that get harder I think. You automatically get tired. In the past, I could train three to four hours in the morning, and then I wanted to do something in the afternoon. That urge is less than it used to be. Interviewer: You’re roads will often intersect. I’m going to present you with a few examples. Suppose you both ride towards Carrefour de l’arbre, who is in the best position? VDP: I think, me. Interviewer: If you both ride the last time Paterberg, who is in the best position then? VDP: That’s difficult to say. He impressed me on the Koppenberg. The Paterberg is way forward on the course, but It’s gonna be tricky then. Interviewer: Suppose you’re both riding towards The Mur De Huy (Muur van Hoey). VDP: Then I’m beaten for sure. It’s the same as in the worlds. I think I’ve become good in estimating myself. I know what I can, and what I can’t. I don’t say I will be ridiculed on the Mur De Huy, but in order to beat him … That will not be something for the near future. Interviewer: On the other hand, you rode the Tour Of Lombardy (TOL) and Liége-Bastogne-Liége (LBL). Were they a revelation for you? VDP: yeah, The Tour of Lombardy for sure. I had a good day, I rode top 10, but six minutes from the winner, maybe more. Interviewer: you rode alone for a long time that day. VDP: Yes, true. I did an all-out attempt on the bottom of the Sormano to close the gap with the leaders. But I was pleasantly surprised. Maybe even more by Liége-Bastogne-Liége, because the day before I did the BinckBanck, and did that solo. Otherwise I could have done more that race, but those things you can’t know. Interviewer: You have so many capabilities/opportunities. They say you have to focus on those things you can do very good, and get even better in it. Of do you want to try it all? VDP: you don’t have to forget it was an strange edition of LBL. It has not been the normal calander, there were other riders participating, it was all a little bit different. Interviewer: Was this beneficial for you? VDP: Yes, I think so Interviewer: In other words, in a normal year you start these races with a handicap, because you have the tough classics in your legs. VDP: yes, I think so. It’s also dependent on how the race develops off course. Interviewer: It will not be a priority in the future? VDP: No, I think indeed that you can say I have to focus more on my strong qualities and races, being races like Flanders. Interviewer: allright, next photo, we’ve a lot of work to do.
Thank you Roy Peters for your suggestion. I have done what you suggest. It's not a perfect solution I guess but will suffice if I am right. I have used this method when listening to french content. I slow it down to 75% as well and I am able with my limited french to understand most of what is being said. But when you use the translation as well the message can become a little messy so I read the captions in French. Thanks for your guidance. To conclude, the translation of Mathieu Van der Poel into English is very scrappy from the Dutch. Is that the way you see it?
Attempt to translate part (6): ROXANNE Interviewer: Take another picture Mathieu, we are halfway there. The woman of your life, we should perhaps not make big statements about that, that can always be tricky VDP: That can always be used against me indeed Interviewer: What did she teach you? VDP: a lot I think. She is my first real girlfriend. I waited quite a long time with it, but I think it’ve chosen good from the first time. Interviewer: And what did she teach you? To be more calm? VDP: Yes maybe. She has a very good personality, always wanting to do good for everyone. I sometimes think that I also want some of that characteristic. She's really too good for everyone. Interviewer: Did you have to explain to her the basics of cycling? VDP: Yes. She roughly knew who I was, because her grandmother watches cyclocross. I got to know her the day after the cyclocross world championships in Valkenburg, which didn't go so well for me at the time. (Wout Van Aert won that race). I went for a drink in Antwerp in the evening. In the morning I got a call from a friend to ask if I was going to Finland for a few days to drive on the ice in a Porsche. At the time, she was responsible for marketing for Porsche Antwerp. Interviewer: There happened something in cold Finland, in terms of love. VDP: Actually, yes. Interviewer: She now knows the basics of cycling? VDP: She is learning more and more. She is also proud when she can say something correctly about cycling. Interviewer: What I find striking is yet another woman who does not know Mathieu van der poel. VDP: It's been a few years since I got to know her, but this is the way I like it. Interviewer: You didn't have much choice I guess, that way. Are you now completely at ease here (place of residence)? VDP: Yes Interviewer: How long have you lived here? VDP: I came to live here after the Amstel Gold Race. That is already a little over a year. One and a half year. Interviewer: In a green environment, quiet. I know where you used to live. It is comparable. VDP: Yes. In the beginning it took some adjustment. With my parents I had everything close by, physiotherapist, masseur. So that fell off a bit. It is only twenty kilometers from here, but you still lose half an hour by car. Interviewer: That puzzle has now been completed? VDP: Yes. Interviewer: Do you still game that often? I read somewhere that on average you game at home for more than 2 hours a day? Are you still on that average? VDP: Yeah. I think that's even more. Interviewer: What game are you playing these days? VDP: Fortnite. I always play that with friends. It’s actually the same as calling each other. In Corona that average has increased. Interviewer: I had also read somewhere that when you still lived at home, you were the ambiance maker. How do you create ambiance? Telling jokes? VDP: I always brought ambiance, yes. Jokes for example yes. I am someone who had a positive mentality. I am generally cheerful. Interviewer: Speaking of home, you say gardening and washing your car makes you happy. VDP: I washed my car yesterday. Interviewer: That is mental peace for you? VDP: I really enjoy doing that, yes. Interviewer: Because it brings results? VDP: Mostly yes. Interviewer: In that respect it is comparable to gardening? VDP: I do less gardening because it is too labor-intensive. My father is always working in our garden. Interviewer: Does he come here often? VDP: Yes. He always did that at home, and now also here. I used to often do the grass at home, which I liked to do. Interviewer: Your father now has 2 gardens that he has to maintain? VDP: Actually, yes. Interviewer: And maybe later your brother's garden too. Does David have plans to move (out of house)? VDP: Yes, he is looking around (for a house). Interviewer: That will then be triple work for your father. But he is not one who complains very often. VDP: No, he's more likely to work until he drops dead than not do something. Interviewer: That's how we know him. How difficult or easy is it to live with yourself? VDP: I don't think very difficult. Of course I am sometimes lazy, I want to rest sometimes. Because it is part of my job. That is sometimes difficult to explain, if we have dinner at someone's place and it is half an hour away by car, I sometimes say that I don't feel like it and prefer to stay at home. Interviewer: But otherwise you are fairly easy going? VDP: Fairly yes. Interviewer: We do not hear any contradiction from the kitchen (where Roxanne is sitting). VDP: A smile though (laughs) Interviewer: Every conversation is also entitled to one gossip magazine story. Here we go. Wout Van Aert is busy with his succession (children). Are you working on that too? I'm also still at 0 (kids) just to be clear. VDP: No actually not. We've already talked about it, but I'm not 100 percent sure yet. It does determine a big part of your life. We have not decided yet. Interviewer: Above all, think about it calmly, and certainly not rush things. VDP: It is a decision that is very difficult to reverse.
Ik hoop vooral dat hij nog een keer Parijs Roubaix wint. Milaan San Remo en Luik Bastenaken Luik kan hij ook ooit nog eens winnen. Nu al een mooie loopbaan. Heeft ook een goed jaar achter de rug.
Well, let me try to be a bit more informative: he states that cyclocross is really in his genes because he has been doing that since he was a kid, and that MTB took 4 years of training to be top level (like he was last year). He also says he really needs to dig deep in MTB-training to reach that level.
He also questions his current state, because he hasn't done a lot of mountainbiking, and that combining Olympics with TdF. But he is still in love with the MTB, and needs the diversity.
Attempt to translate part (5): WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP CYCLOCROSS VDP: not the photo I remember from that World CupInterviewer: we kunnen hem ook vervangen door deze foto VDP: for me that is the photo, I immediately know that it is about that World Cup Interviewer: When I was preparing this, I was thinking, third world title, 25 years old. I'm might say something now that you say I should not mention, but the 7 (worldtitles) of the Vlaeminck … not that far away. Not even for Wout van Aert, by the way. That is really feasible eh? VDP: Yes. And with a bit more luck, I am still convinced that I had already been on more than 3, but that is simply the way cycling goes. I try not to think too much about that either. The cross season of both me and Wout is no longer the same as it used to be. There is only one goal left for both of us, and that is to become world champion. I think people need to realize that. For example, that second place in Gavere, it’s is no longer good enough for the people. I also prefer to win, of course, but I can also be happy with that second place. You should also not forget that (cyclo)crosses are very specific. We come from a difficult road season and it’s not so easy to just suddenly participate. Interviewer: On the other hand, in 2 years' time nobody will talk about that second place in Gavere. There is no one who cares about that anymore. VDP: No indeed. But that is the case with everything. That's what Pidcock said so beautifully in his interview. He finished 20th in his first cross in Tabor. Nobody is going to say anything about that anymore. That is very typical of cycling. When I finish second in Gavere, there is no longer anyone mentioning the fact I won Tour Of Flanders, and that's how it always goes. You are always judged on the last performance. That is the case in every sport, and that may be the hard part of top sport. It is always nice when someone quits (career end), only then they look back at what they have won. If you look at Tom Boonen … I saw a list on Twitter the other day, what he has won, it’s absurd. Interviewer: How do you deal with that? VDP: I can handle that very well Interviewer: We can all consider that as obvious, but it is not all that evident. VDP: No, but you will learn to deal with it. I really have no problem with that Interviewer: Back to those 7 world titles of De Vlaeminck. You are a champion, do you take records into account? Or do you only start thinking about it when you have won 5, for example? VDP: Indeed, with me it is more like that. It's not like I make it a goal now. It is only when it is feasible that I think about it. Certainly not at the moment. Interviewer: What drives you in cyclocross, I wonder? VDP: Fun is the most important thing to me. I try to remain multidisciplinary for as long as possible. Interviewer: Because you think it makes you better? VDP: Both mentally and physically I think, indeed. It also has something unique to sponsors. I think that has also made me an ambassador at Canyon. It is quite unique that 1 rider in all disciplines can promote a bicycle. I think that also makes me strong as a product. Interviewer: It's not that sometimes you are at the start of a cross like Gavere, with the thought: Been There, Done That? VDP: Yes, but I have the feeling with (cyclo)cross in general. Interviewer: You know these courses by heart, it is always the same route to the cross. Is everything you do now in function of the World Championships? Because you can't participate in the Worlds without riding one cross? VDP: No, certainly not. I think it would be a nice challenge though, but that is almost impossible. I don't just ride the other races just to participate, but it is with the Worlds in the back of my mind. Interviewer: Will this be the way for years to come? Or are you going to ride even fewer races in cyclocross? VDP: This is the minimum. I keep riding a minimum of crosses. You can also see that with Stybar for example. It deteriorates very quickly if you do not ride cyclocross in the winter, or if you do a few crosses less. When you get into the rhythm, it's already done then. I want to avoid that. Interviewer: It is a good you mention him. Stybar is a former world champion. You would think he could always start and compete to win right away. VDP: That's how people think about it. You read that about Van Aert too. It is not that obvious. Interviewer: How do you do mountain biking, because that is even more specific than the cross? VDP: It is, yes. Cyclocross is in my genes. I've been doing that from an early age. It is something I will not soon forget. But mountain biking is something that I have not been doing for very long, and I also have to give everything in training. Interviewer: Do you feel that you are not yet accomplished in mountain biking? VDP: Last year I did had that feeling, that I mastered it. But that took me four years. Interviewer: We already briefly discussed your 2021 season. You say your next goal is the cyclocross world championship in Ostend. How many times can you be top in a year? Ostend, spring classics, Tour De France, Olympic games, ... Won't you be at your best in the Tour De France yet? But hopefully enough to be able to do something in the Tour De France? VDP: Indeed, the Tour De France is less important to me than the Olympics. Interviewer: You can also leave the Tour after 10 days? VDP: Yes, but I don't want that. I don't think the Tour is something you ride in preparation for the Olympics. I think if you go to the Tour to just ride along, then you shouldn't ride the Tour. Interviewer: So the chance that you will not ride the Tour is realistic? Or are you not allowed to say much about it yet? VDP: No, but I think it will be mandatory for the sponsors to participate in the Tour anyway. Interviewer: It is quite a puzzle you have to make: your own interests, but also taking others into account. VDP: Yes indeed, but I never underestimate the importance of sponsors, without them we have no sport. It is not only important what you want yourself, you also have to take others into account. I am already quite free within the team, so now and then it is up to me to make a concession.
Attempt to translate part (9): FATHER; ADRIE VAN DER POEL Reporter: What do you admire about your father? VDP: A lot, especially in the beginning of my career, he was important. It’s easier if you have someone who knows everything about the sport. Tire pressure, gear, that sort of things. He also knew what kind of trainings I had to do. Reporter: The ideal teacher? VDP: Yeah I think so. Reporter: He has a lot of experience of course. What do you think he admires most about you? VDP: That I have chosen my own path, I think. I know he wasn't in favor of mountain biking in the beginning, but if it’s in my head, I'll continue. Now he has turned around, because he also sees what it brings me. I do think he now sees its added value Reporter: Is he still a strict teacher, of has he never been one? VDP: No, it might look like that. It’s the same with Cristophe (Roodhoofdt). He’s always surly on TV, while he's not like that at all. Reporter: It's true what you say. I once went to Milan with your dad and that was a really nice evening. VDP: You should also not forget, the moment you interview him he is focused on the cross. That is the case with everyone you interview and who is present at the cross. Reporter: On the other hand, I think both the viewer and the organizers don't want anything else than those oneliners VDP: I appreciate that in my father, he does not mince words, he always tells the truth even if that is not what people want to hear, so am I. I try to be straight forward. I don't think it will help you if you don't. Reporter: Don't you have to stand firm for that? (be confident) VDP: Yes, but that is something you learn. Reporter: And having proven something in cycling might help too? VDP: Yeah, off course. Reporter: What else can you improve in according to him? VDP: climbing, he often says I should train more uphill. Reporter: Is that good for everything? VDP: I think it’s good for everything. I also like to do that in training. Not in competition because the lightweights then ride too fast. The added advantage of climbing is, if you now drive up a mountain on stage, before you know it you will drive 300 watt. If you have to do that on the flat … that is a big difference. Reporter: Talking about weight: you now weigh 3 kilos less, is that just a normal evolution, or have you made an effort VDP: no, I almost didn’t made an effort for it, although we did not receive much food during our training camp. In the cross season the training is more intensive, more interval. I also run without breakfast, these are things that stimulate my body to lose weight. Reporter: How many times a week do you run without breakfast? VDP: once usually, Reporter: you shouldn't do that too much indeed VDP: no, it is also an attack on the muscles, I think, so I do it no more then once a week. Reporter: Speaking of food, has it already progressed that far, as with Jumb-Visma, that the meals are weighed up? VDP: Yes, it starts to come. Reporter: Can you handle it well? VDP: Yes I find it very easy. If you get everything delivered a month before your big goal, you can eat this and this is perfect for you, nothing else. That brings a lot of mental peace. You must be able to do it. But I don't think you should be hungry as a professional athlete. I woke up twice on my training camp, hungry. I don't think that's the way. Reporter: So you work sometimes with an dietician? VDP: We have been working with a dietician for a long time and we have a strong focus on food, everyone has. I strongly believe that nutrition can make a difference, which is why I started for Gold supplementation, I really believe in those things. Ultimately what you put into your body is fuel, which is not to say that once a week fries is bad for you. Reporter: How long can you keep doing that (weighted meals)? VDP: no, I don't think so (not for very long). You also see that with many riders. They fluctuate very hard in weight. I've never had that because I've never done extreme diet. My weight always remains about the same. Reporter: Being? VDP: I'm usually around 75-77 Reporter: about your father: how well do you know his career? VDP: not super good, I know a bit. Reporter: not ready for a test? VDP: If they are easy questions. I know very little about cycling in general from the past. So the period that he cycled. Reporter: And the Era Boonen? VDP: Better, but even then I wasn't watching road cycling actually. Reporter: did you watch sports, football or? VDP: Yes I played soccer myself. I always liked watching motocross and formula 1, cyclocross yes, road cycling did not interest me that much Reporter: which classic didn't he win? LBL, gold race, lombardy? VDP: gold race, Reporter: lombardia! VDP: Oops, I thought he said he won that race Reporter: He became world champion in? VDP: in 96 Reporter: which classic didn’t he win: Sanremo, Roubaix of RVL VDP: That’s a trick question! He didn’t Roubaiw, AND he didn’t win Sanremo Reporter: Oops, Trick question indeed. Reporter: how often do you discuss you career with your father, or is it mainly small talk? VDP: Mostly small talk actually, he knows that I am in good hands with Kristof De Kegel (performance manager of his team). Reporter: if you want to know something you can always contact your father? VDP: yes for sure. He was here for coffee and then he said that I should rest, but I wanted to run and ride on the rollers, so I just did what I wanted to do, I didn’t listen to him. Reporter: Ignoring the advice of father, wauw. Is he man you consult about contract negotiations? VDP: Yes, the only one, I don't talk to a lot of people about that, apart from the Roodhoofd-Brothers (his team bosses). Reporter: what can I wish you in 2021? VDP: a normal year for everyone, without corona Reporter: When you become Olympic Champion, what will you do? Will you buy something as usual? VDP: The chances are very high. Reporter: An old F1 car? VDP: Mm, that would be difficult. Reporter: An old le mans car? VDP: would be nice, I always reward myself with something after a big/nice win. Reporter: Always in the motor/car theme? VDP: Yes, mostly. But it can also be something small, does not have to be expensive. Reporter: I would like to congratulate you for the warm atmosphere in the house. The Christmas tree is beautifully decorated VDP: that is roxanne's job Reporter: mathieu thanks and thanks for the coffee VDP: you're welcome
Thanks a lot for these! Made a tremendous difference, I was able to follow the conversation with these subtitles! Is there any chance you could translate the part about Roxanne as well?
@@benjaminblirupcilleborg7876 Thanx! :) I will do the 3 remaining parts (cyclocross, Roxanne, Roodhoofd) today/tomorrow. The other parts you can find in the comment section below.
Wat een slechte interviewer die Ruben zeg! Constant praat hij door de antwoorden vanMathieu heen. Hij laat hem niet een keer uitpraten en drukt constant zijn spraak er doorheen. Laat een grootheid als Mathieu gewoon eens helemaal spreken en onderbreek hem niet! Frustrerend is dit!
Maybe some English subtitles please?? There are 23 million Dutch speakers in the world, and 1,5 billion English speakers, of which 360 million is a native language!! Think of your audience, its not only Dutch or Flemish speakers that are interested Van der Poel and cycling!!
@@markknoop6283 the English are smart, noooooooo we are not! We dont learn languages in schools, they don't have good system for teaching languages! But try and imagine this Mark, you have a class room with 20 5 year old British children, so which language do they learn, must we have lots and lots teachers for all the worlds languages, and all the books and separate classrooms! The financial cost of this is huge! So English is the language of Hollywood and music and pilots and sport now! So which must we all learn🤔😉
Wat een verademing zo'n interview. Oprecht en zonder gêne. Vol vertrouwen maar niet arrogant. De wereld kan meer mensen zoals Mathieu gebruiken.
Treffend!
😅😅😅😊
Wat een feest is Sporza toch. Elke dag besef ik me hoe we in Nederland achterlopen met de diepgang die de wielersport te bieden heeft. Ik heb het uur integraal Moto 1 al 5 keer bekeken. En alle docu's over het veldrijden en de individuele strijders. Dank u vriendelijk namens uw Noorderburen! (Wel jammer van de geoblockades af en toe maar een kleinigheidje blijf je houden.)
Precies dat. Vlaanderen heeft betere tv dan Nederland.
Vroeger met Jean Nelissen en Mart Smeets hadden we dat wel hoor.
Fantastische kerel. Weet precies waar hij staat, wie hij is en heeft volop respect voor zijn tegenstanders. Bedankt Sporza voor deze inkijk.
Wat een weergaloos gesprek. Heerlijk hoe hij de vragen beantwoord, maar ook de manier waarop ze gesteld worden. Echt een van de beste interviews de afgelopen jaren!!
Mooi interview. Mooie bescheiden renner, terwijl hij alle reden heeft om niet bescheiden te zijn. Ik kan dat soort mensen enorm waarderen.
MvdP is not only a top-class cyclist, he is a true human being, This interview is so down to earth the way he answers the questions. the interviewer is also top class.
The way he talks about his fellow sportsman is to admire, especially about Wout. I admire both these guys as they give us so much joy in the wielersport!!
I live for the last 41 years in New Zealand but never lost my roots regarding the wielersport. I competed for 22 years and was provincial champion here in NZ.
But back to Mathieu, he is in every way the most admirable cyclist the world has ever seen. For the sixth time world champ cross/veld rijden, I just wonder what he will show us in the next few months during the klassiekers/monuments!! I predict he will win a few!!!!!!!!
Wederzijds respect, oprechte meningen, bescheiden doch assertieve houding, en na al die jaren toch nog genoeg verrassende verhalen. Aangenaam om te mogen aanschouwen. Chapeau Sporza!
Dank u weer prachtig dit, kunnen we in Nederland heel veel van leren van onze zuider buren geweldige reportages , Mathieu blijft Mathieu met beide benen nuchter op de grond wat een geweldenaar.
Geweldig interview van Ruben en Mathieu, wat een interessante vragen en correcte antwoorden, een intelligent interview. Bedankt en respect voor beiden.
Wat een geweldige sportman is hij ! Ik hoop dat we nog heel lang mogen genieten van hem.
Spijtig dat we de fitness ruimte niet konden zien met de souvenirs van papi
Wat een eerlijke jongen is het toch👍👍👍
Super leuk om naar te kijken!
Je leert de mensen echt beter kennen door zo'n interviews.
Sporza thé best 👍
interview , interviewer , en geïnterviewde, wereldklasse , chapeau. Zou de hele voetbalwereld een groot voorbeeld aan moeten nemen.
you are absolutely right!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
mooi en eerlijk interview
Echt een top interview!
Chapeau Sporza. Leuke vragen, goede sfeer, leuke antwoorden, goed inhoudelijk maar toch relaxed. Ja ik heb genoten van dit interview!
Mooi interview Sporza!
Dank voor de upload!!!
Attempt to translate part (4): BEATING WOUT IN THE TOUR OF FLANDERS
Interviewer: Next photo, what do you see?
VDP: My Rival, since we were both very young.
Interviewer: what a race!
VDP: Yes indeed. I don’t think that much about my victories, but I still thought about this one. If you know where we come from as rivals … to ride with the two of us to the finish line in the Tour of Flanders. It’s something you are allowed to think about.
Interviewer: It is an incredible sports story you both made. Is this the photo that will define your
carreer?
VDP: Ehm … Maybe, yes.
Interviewer: It could become an iconic image of Mathieu Van der Poel.
VDP: For sure of the Tour The Flanders. If I would have watched the race on TV, and two of the top favourites rode to the finish line and were sprinting for victory, I would have been running trough the room I guess.
Interviewer: Cycling needs it, that rivalry: Boonen-Cancellara, Museeuw-Vanpeteghem, VanderPoel-Van Aert. We need it.
VDP: Yes I think so, I said it not that long ago. We owe each other a lot. When you take one of us away, it is a hole different perspective for the spectator. Every sport needs a bit of rivalry.
interviewer: Do you have a mental advantage on Wout?
VDP: No, I don’t think so.
Interviewer: You have beaten him more, than he has beaten you?
VDP: yeah, but we have an other project. He has given me ‘mental punches’, I have given him ‘mental punches’. I think it only makes us better.
Interviewer: Wout is a true sportsman and a grown up guy. You can give a mental uppercut, but you can also beat him in a hand-to-hand duel in the Tour of Flanders. That’s more than a mental uppercut, no?
VDP: Yes, that’s true. He has had a fantastic season, won a lot of fantastic races. But when I look at it from the other side, if I would have won the most beautiful races that season, but if you lose the Tour Of Flanders, with a couple of centimeters, that always hurts, even if you have won so many races before. Now I am the one who has comes off as the winner, but it could easily have been the other way around.
Interviewer: Do you think that if he would have started the spring earlier, of the speed would have been higher, that he could have beaten you?
VDP: I don’t like ‘if-questions’. The sprint is over now. If I had to do it again, maybe also I would to it a little bit different.
Interviewer: Much has been written about that sprint.
Yes. But the fact he doensn’t start from far (eg. 250m) … maybe it’s a sign he wansn’t that good anymore at that point, as was the case for me. But maybe I reach one of my best numbers ever (power?) in that sprint.
Interviewer: probably incredible numbers?
VDP: You’re sprinting for the Tour Of Flanders. That’s something I kept saying to myself. You can lose it with a couple of centimers, and then maybe never win it. Sometimes you only get one chance to win such a race.
Interviewer: so it’s a mindset that starts a couple of kilometers from the finish line?
VDP: Yes, normally I don’t do that. I kept saying to myself that my season was good, but that it could be a fantastic season. I thought off the average/bad races in Italy. I boosted myself mentally for the sprint, something I normally don’t do a lot.
Interviewer: so for you there wasn’t any doubt: you were going to win that sprint?
VDP: Actually, yes.
Interviewer: because if you think you can lose, you lose?
VDP: Yes, perhaps that’s enough. You always have to count on your own strengths. In my mind, I couldn’t lose that race. I had to sprint for my life. I wasn’t going to lose that race.
Interviewer: did you watch the finale again on TV?
VDP: not the entire final. I did watch some fragments. Sometimes I watch races again, to analyse. I watched fragments of the Paterberg, Kwaremont, Allaphillipe who collided with the motorbike, Koppenberg. So in the end, I watched the last 50km, but in fragments.
Interviewer: You win a fantastic race, but you couldn’t celebrate it (partying).
VDP: We dit actually. Only with our team in our hotel. We enjoyed it.
Interviewer: Wat was your best performance in 2020? Tirreno, National Championships?
VDP: I think the BinckBank Tour was one of my most best performances. But because of the ‘grandeur’ of the Tour Of Flanders, that race will be my best win. But in terms of physical performance, maybe other races were even better. But the Tour of Flanders is something else in terms of significance.
Interviewer: You’ve won many worldtitles in cyclocross, and other big races. Do you feel the effect of winning these race (on the perception of the public)?
VDP: It’s an odd time off course (Corona), but off course Flanders had a very big impact, maybe even bigger then winning the worlds Cyclocross, especially for the international spectators.
Interviewer: If you re-watch the race: do you enjoy it, or do you still analyze?
VDP: No I haven’t analyzed that race.
Interviewer: it went almost perfect.
(Dog: asks for attention)
thanks! Much appreciated effort.
Holy shit , thanks 👍
Groot fan van sporza hier kunnen vele een voorbeeld aan nemen
wat een held is het ook eh!
Speciaal manneke.
Superleuk interview! 😁😍
Already 50k views, come on we need subtitles Sporza please :)
Is it possible to get english subtitles? Would be beyond awesome!
absolutely!
agreed! there are non dutch / flemish CX fans who'd love to hear this interview.
How would you know?
yeah, youtube offers that functionality. hit the CC button at the bottom, and you'll then have dutch subtitles. then click the settings button at the bottom (the cog icon) and you can select the subtitles language
Learn dutch ,instead of sticking to one language
Topper dit is genieten!
Attempt to translate part (8): MOUNTAINBIKING
Interviewer: Pick another photo (european championships mountainbike?).
VDP: That’s a race I still remember good. I didn’t finish that race. In the road race I finished second, behind Trentin. Van Aert finished thirth. That race (European championship mountainbike) was the moment I realized how specific mountain biking is. I trained on the road, to be in top condition. I thought it was enough to do well in mountain biking, but that was not the case.
Interviewer: why is it more specifik than for example cyclocross?
VDP: it’s more climbing. Mountainbikers are often lichtweights. Also the technical aspect. I think I’m one of the best in cyclocross in terms of technique, but in mountain biking, I’m the middle bracket in terms of technique. It has been a proces, but in the end it turned out fine.
interviewer: do you have a long way to go towards the Olympic Games?
VDP: Last year, I was where I wanted to be (condition/technique). Now, there is a year gone in which I haven’t mountainbiked, so is remains a big question.
Interviewer: are the cancellation of the games positive for you, of negative?
VDP: Negative! I was ready last year.
Interviewer: maybe you will rock it this year.
VDP: Yeah, but it remains uncertain. Last year I rode almost all World Cups. I knew where I stood in comparision with the other riders. My bike position was good. Now I have ridden my mountainbike twice this year.
Reporter: so your preparation will not be perfect?
VDP: It’s gonne be hard, especially with the Tour De France. The Combination with the classics (eg. Tour of Flanders) is doable, but the date of the Tour de France is not good.
Reporter: You prepare years and years for the Olympics, and then it becomes difficult. It’s not impossible (to get a good result), but…
VDP: No, not impossible. But is has become much more difficult.
Reporter: A quote from your sports director: “Mathieu has al the signs of a highly intelligent (gifted) cyclist: he can do everything, but he is bored very quickly”.
VDP: That’s true. That’s the reason I started mountainbiking a couple of years ago.
Reporter: Does the mountainbike story stops after Tokio?
VDP: No, I don’t think so. I don’t know, but I don’t think so. I really want to try to combine all three discipline as long as possible.
Reporter: Because you like it, or because it increases your market value?
VDP: In the first instance, I do it because I like it. I don’t do mountainbiking because of the market value. I really fell in love with the sport.
Interviewer: Do you think you get saturated fast?
VDP: If I only would have done one discipline, it would already have been the case.
Reporter: Then it becomes a Sagan-story, I guess.
VDP: If I stayed in cyclocross only, it would have been the case already, I’m 100 percent sure of that.
Reporter: So, the variety gives you a sort of mental rest and space?
VDP: yeah, for sure. The 15 races I do in the winter breaks the routine of the road races. Most of the road racers are doing long distance training in Spain. I’m not convinced that’s the best preparation for me.
Attempt to translate part (1): INTRO
Interviewer: Mathieu Van der Poel, hello.
VDP: Hello
Interviewer: I’m going to start drinking that amazing coffee you just made for me. Did you get a taste for it?
VDP: Maybe he’s cold now. I did get a taste for it a little bit. It has become a trend among cyclistst I guess.
Interviewer: How long have you been working on it?
VDP: Half a year I guess, I started it out of boredom because of Corona.
Interviewer: Is it a fun occupation for you?
VDP: yeah, for sure. It’s nice to do in the morning.
Interviewer: When I read between the lines: like usual, you strive for perfection.
VDP: Yes, indeed. It (coffee making) is something I try to excel in, but at the moment I’m not that great yet.
Interviewer: We don’t have to expect you on the world championship for baristas in the near future?
VDP: No, not at all, it’s just fun.
Interviewer: But, he’s delicious!
VDP: Yeah, i’m happy with the taste.
Interviewer: I’m surprised, because I use the same brand - which we’re not gonna mention - but I’ve never steamed the coffee with oat milk.
VDP: The milk is a barista edition actually, but …
Interviewer: Because oat milk doensn’t steam that easy.
VDP: No, no that good, that’s the fun part, to try everything out. In the meantime I have tried all milk from the supermarket.
Interviewer: So, this is barista oat milk.
VDP: Yes indeed, but I think full milk still is the best to steam. The taste is also the best.
Interviewer: The most rich off course.
VDP: Yes, indeed.
Interviewer: Okay, We’re gonna look back on the year 2020. How many points do you give yourself for the year 2020, the odd year 2020.
VDP: It’s very difficult. I would give myself an eight I think. I told the story of my beginning of the season already a lot of times, but the start of the season wasn’t good.
Interviewer: Did you train to hard?
VDP: I think so, yes. During Corona I felt very good. The season was allowed to start every moment for me. Maybe I have been to diligent because you never knew when the season was gonna kick off. I wanted to be 200 percent ready.
Interviewer: Didn’t you have a reflex to slow down, when you for example did two hard trainings in a row?
VDP: No, not really, just because it was so much fun. I have trained almost every day with Stybar. Off course I would like to have been better in Italy, but I enjoyed training with him. We got to know each other better, we get along very well. It was fun and riding fast at the same time. We rode quite long actually and never under 35 km/u average, just the two of us. We stopped 2-3 times at the bakery. It was awesome. I don’t know (yet) if it went wrong there. I think it went wrong on altitude training, because before I left on altitude, there was nothing that indicated I wasn’t good. When I returned from training altitude, I realized something was wrong.
Interviewer: I’m gonna put these photo’s on this gorgeous table. I suspect the table is a choice of Roxanne (girlfriend of Mathieu).
VDP: Yes, one of the best girlfriends of Roxanne had an interior shop.
Interviewer: I brought some photo’s, you can turn them over one by one in a minute. What did you learn from the year 2020?
VDP: Sport needs the fans, that’s for sure. Not only our sport, but all sports.
Interviewer: You decide the sequence of this conversation. I don’t know which photos lays where, so turn one over.
VDP: I’m gonne start with this one, Allaphilipe.
Interviewer: That’s the world championships
VDP: Imola
Interviewer: Yes.
You super star!!! 👏👏😀 But man it will be long hard work ,for no reward 🏆😀😀😰
chapeau!
Attempt to translate part (7): ROODHOOFT
Interviewer: Take another picture.
VDP: The brothers.
Interviewer: What is the secret to keeping Mathieu Van de Poel in your team? What should you do, and what should you not do?
VDP: (Thinking). I think our relationship is more friendly, so not boss or manager.
Interviewer: You think that's comfortable?
VDP: That means a lot to me. I have always been treated well, anything can be talked about. I've only had one fight with both brothers in my life.
Interviewer: Can you describe what that was about?
VDP: I still remember well my fight with Philippe, I don't remember anymore the one with Cristophe. With Philippe, it was after my knee injury, when I went to training with black pants that did not belong to the sponsor. So he was actually right. I wish I could say he wasn't right, but he was right.
Interviewer: You have also been working together for a while, of course.
VDP: I think I got my first bikes from them. Then I was a novice (category in cycling / cyclocross).
Interviewer: If you haven't quarreled (or hardly ever) since then…
VDP: Yes indeed. That is very important to me.
Interviewer: it is a relatively small team, they have always been able to keep you with them. How do they convince you to stay with their team? And I'm not talking about the financial aspect.
VDP: Yes that does play a role. I'm not going to be silly about that. I've always been well paid , very well in fact. I have never had to ask for a raise myself, they have always provided that themselves. That's really important. That's why I like to be with that team. I never had the feeling that I was underpaid, that's important.
Interviewer: Do you think it will be like a Tom Boonen-story with you (he stayed long time with Quick Step)?
VDP: That is possible, but I also do not rule out that I would change sometimes. But that is certainly not the case at the moment.
Interviewer: Have you had many offers in the past, and who do you discuss those offers with?
VDP: Not that many. Not necessarily with my father. We'll discuss it (he and his father). I haven't had any very concrete offers yet, but I've already had some.
Interviewer: How close have you been to Patrick Lefevre, for example? (manager Quick Step)
VDP: Not that close. I have never spoken directly to Patrick. He did talk to my father. I have always had a long term contract with my Philippe and Cristophe, and I will never break that contract.
Interviewer: You are one of those five cyclists that every team wants. Then you are regularly asked if you are available, I assume?
VDP: Yes, but I still have a contract until 2023, and that scares most teams. But teams do ask about my availability.
Interviewer: When will this be discussed again (his contract)?
VDP: It depends. That depends on the performance, but also what the team proposes. I never had to think long about my previous contract, I could sign for five years. That is a choice you make. I'm not going to sign for another team where I could get 10 percent (money) more.
Interviewer: You used to have a reputation for not always listening to others opinion. Your father confirms that.
VDP: I am quite stubborn, but I also think that is a positive trait because I want to choose my own path a bit. My dad confirms it, because he's stubborn too. That is a quality that I have from my father. I've gotten better at it. I have been working with Cristophe De Kegel (his trainer/performance manager of the team) for 2 years now.
Interviewer: Was that a process? Were you convinced from the start of the usefulness of working with data?
VDP: I was convinced pretty quickly. Not about everything yet, there are still things I'm not doing correctly. This weekend, for example, I know that Cristophe (De Kegel) is grouchy… Grouchy may have been said to much, but I drove without a heart rate monitor again this weekend. On Saturday after the cross, I immediately received a message asking if I wanted to take my watch with me. I have never liked to ride with a heart rate belt. I always ride with it on the road, but then your meter is on the bike. I don't like to drive with a watch. That is the only reason.
Interviewer: It has nothing to do with the fact that you suddenly see a heart rate value ...
VDP: No I don't look at it (during the race, at the screen to his heart rate value). No. But I see the usefulness of it. I try to do the best I can, but there are always things that I will do intuitively.
Interviewer: We have three more photos, Mathieu, turn one more.
Attempt to translate part (3): PAPI RAYMOND POULIDOR
Interviewer: I couldn’t leave this photo out, off course.
VDP: This photo hangs in big format in the fitness room. Next to my indoor bike, I have a lot of nice attributes from him. I have his original racing shoes with his name on, I have spare stuff of a group of him (?).
Interviewer: It’s a small Raymond Poulidor Museum?
VDP: yes, but very small. I could show you later if you want. It’s little things, and it’s nice to have them in my house. I am sorry he hasn’t experienced Flanders. He also hasn’t seen me racing the Tour de France, that’s a shame.
Interviewer: what do you feel if you watch the photo?
VDP: More happiness, then sadness actually. I have very good memories of Papi, that’s nice.
Interviewer: it’s been a little over a year now, do you think about him a lot?
VDP: I’m reminded of it almost every day, but in a positive way, because I have that shelf with his stuff on it, and the photo in the gym. Not every day is hard, no. The only thing that bothers me is that I was never able to race the tour with him.
Interviewer: What did you learn from him, that you always want to do yourself?
VDP: his openness to fans, I think he was an example in that area. Incredible. Maybe sometimes a little too much. Too much isn’t possible off course, but he was really … He would never say no.
Interviewer: I had the chanse to hang out with him two days in Lyon, not that long ago. He had driven hundred kilometers, we didn’t know each other, but it were two incredible warm days. He talked to everyone, incredible.
VDP: That’s how he is, indeed. He could start stalking against persons he hadn’t seen before. That was very beautiful yes.
Interviewer: Are you going to do the same? Can fans always count on Mathieu Van der Poel, as was the case with Raymond Poulidor? Do you look like him in some way?
VDP: I have the same character, yes. My brother is more like him in appearance (looks).
Misschien kan MVP een koffee shop openen 😇'Twas leuk om te zien dat hij een echte mens is.
Attempt to translate part (2): IMOLA
Interviewer: Don’t you regret your choice to skip the worlds?
VDP: When looking back, you never know. But I’ve won the Tour Of Flanders, Roubaix was canceled. So now you can say I made the right decision. Maybe if I’ve participated in Imola, the results in the latter stage of the season would have been the same, but it’s difficult to say. After the Tireno, I really neaded my altitude camp in Livigno to be in top condition.
Interviewer: Were you unhappy with the cancellation of Roubaix?
VDP: It was not that bad, because I won the Ronde Van Vlaanderen.
Interviewer: It would have been a wet edition?
VDP: Yeah, for sure, that would have been a dream. But the euphoria of winning Flanders, was bigger than the disappointment of Roubaix. Of course my condition was good at that time, but the same could be said about the other riders.
Interviewer: Winning The Tour of Flanders softens the pain?
VDP: Yeah, something like that.
Interviewer: I suppose you watched the worlds on TV?
VDP: Yes.
Interviewer: Do you watch it with the idea you could have been in the front group if you would have been in top condition?
VDP: No, I don’t think so. The last climb was too hard. Maybe I could have finished top 10, but to say I would be in that elite group … No.
Interviewer: So, the group with Fuglsang, Van Aert. That group wouldn’t have been possible to be in?
VDP: Maybe on a super day, but even then I think I would have been in the next chasing group.
Interviewer: So, then you sit in your chair watching TV, without a bad feeling. Because you don’t want to ride the race to be in top 10.
VDP: That’s not entirely true. I understand what you trying to say. If there would have been 20 riders who survived the last hill and who would sprint for victory, then I would have been disappointed (cursing), but not now. Certainly not, because Julian (Allaphillipe) wins, with whom I have a quite good relationship. I’m happy for him. I think he’s one of the most beautiful world champions, it’s good for our sport.
Interviewer: Off course, he’s one of the athletes everyone looks up to. Are you already thinking of the Worlds in Leuven?
VDP: No, I live for one goal at a time. The attention to the World Championship in Leuven will come if my preparation for that goal starts. For now, I’m only thinking of the Worlds Cyclocross in Oostende.
Interviewer: Do you recognize Allaphilipe’s in yourself? His style of riding, who he is as a person?
VDP: Yes, style of riding for sure. He is, like me, a very attacking rider who doensn’t pay that much attention to tactics. He trusts his own strengths. I think he is a very nice figure for our sport. I don’t know if he has the same personality as myself. I have a good relationship with him. But I don’t hear him on a daily basis, sometimes we send messages to each other.
Interviewer: He’s a happy person/kid?
VDP: Yeah for sure, he’s also very good at putting things into perspective.
Interviewer: Is that something you like? It’s something typical for The VanderPoels (family)?
VDP: Absolutely, he realizes that there is something besides cycling in the world. For example, For me, the moment he wins that stage and the yellow jersey in the Tour De France, for his father who passed away, moved me very much. I don’t think there are a lot of riders who didn’t liked that he won, that says a lot.
Interviewer: He has a bit of ADHD. Is that something that’s inside you also? Or are you different in that respect?
VDP: In the past more than now. I’m calmer now.
Interviewer: How? By getting older or by settling down?
VDPB: I guess by getting older. I still have quite some energy, but not like before. I also learned to rest. Sometimes I thougth: Alaphilippe, what are you doing man? But he doesn’t do those things on purpose, it’s just who he is. For me, he can remain as he is, I don’t think he has to change something.
Interviewer: How do you learn to rest?
VDP: Because of the trainings that get harder I think. You automatically get tired. In the past, I could train three to four hours in the morning, and then I wanted to do something in the afternoon. That urge is less than it used to be.
Interviewer: You’re roads will often intersect. I’m going to present you with a few examples. Suppose you both ride towards Carrefour de l’arbre, who is in the best position?
VDP: I think, me.
Interviewer: If you both ride the last time Paterberg, who is in the best position then?
VDP: That’s difficult to say. He impressed me on the Koppenberg. The Paterberg is way forward on the course, but It’s gonna be tricky then.
Interviewer: Suppose you’re both riding towards The Mur De Huy (Muur van Hoey).
VDP: Then I’m beaten for sure. It’s the same as in the worlds. I think I’ve become good in estimating myself. I know what I can, and what I can’t. I don’t say I will be ridiculed on the Mur De Huy, but in order to beat him … That will not be something for the near future.
Interviewer: On the other hand, you rode the Tour Of Lombardy (TOL) and Liége-Bastogne-Liége (LBL). Were they a revelation for you?
VDP: yeah, The Tour of Lombardy for sure. I had a good day, I rode top 10, but six minutes from the winner, maybe more.
Interviewer: you rode alone for a long time that day.
VDP: Yes, true. I did an all-out attempt on the bottom of the Sormano to close the gap with the leaders. But I was pleasantly surprised. Maybe even more by Liége-Bastogne-Liége, because the day before I did the BinckBanck, and did that solo. Otherwise I could have done more that race, but those things you can’t know.
Interviewer: You have so many capabilities/opportunities. They say you have to focus on those things you can do very good, and get even better in it. Of do you want to try it all?
VDP: you don’t have to forget it was an strange edition of LBL. It has not been the normal calander, there were other riders participating, it was all a little bit different.
Interviewer: Was this beneficial for you?
VDP: Yes, I think so
Interviewer: In other words, in a normal year you start these races with a handicap, because you have the tough classics in your legs.
VDP: yes, I think so. It’s also dependent on how the race develops off course.
Interviewer: It will not be a priority in the future?
VDP: No, I think indeed that you can say I have to focus more on my strong qualities and races, being races like Flanders.
Interviewer: allright, next photo, we’ve a lot of work to do.
Kunnen veel sporters iets van leren. Gewoon jezelf zijn, geen politiek correct geneuzel. Klasse sportman.
Please put in subtitles. Thanks
Ongelofelijk gaaf! Dankjewel maffe Belgjes! :)
Thank you Roy Peters for your suggestion. I have done what you suggest. It's not a perfect solution I guess but will suffice if I am right. I have used this method when listening to french content. I slow it down to 75% as well and I am able with my limited french to understand most of what is being said. But when you use the translation as well the message can become a little messy so I read the captions in French. Thanks for your guidance. To conclude, the translation of Mathieu Van der Poel into English is very scrappy from the Dutch. Is that the way you see it?
@bilishu aliss Hi Bilishu Aliss. An honest and beautiful interview as you say. I just wish I could understand everything. Have a good Christmas.
Is it possibile to have english subs below? It would be necessary for a worldwide content like this!
There is undoubtedly a big audience out there who are English speaking. It is very frustrating not being able to be involved in the interview.
You can click on CC, then proceed to click on the settings icon, subtitles, auto translate and check English
Doe er is een met wva aub
Attempt to translate part (6): ROXANNE
Interviewer: Take another picture Mathieu, we are halfway there. The woman of your life, we should perhaps not make big statements about that, that can always be tricky
VDP: That can always be used against me indeed
Interviewer: What did she teach you?
VDP: a lot I think. She is my first real girlfriend. I waited quite a long time with it, but I think it’ve chosen good from the first time.
Interviewer: And what did she teach you? To be more calm?
VDP: Yes maybe. She has a very good personality, always wanting to do good for everyone. I sometimes think that I also want some of that characteristic. She's really too good for everyone.
Interviewer: Did you have to explain to her the basics of cycling?
VDP: Yes. She roughly knew who I was, because her grandmother watches cyclocross. I got to know her the day after the cyclocross world championships in Valkenburg, which didn't go so well for me at the time. (Wout Van Aert won that race). I went for a drink in Antwerp in the evening. In the morning I got a call from a friend to ask if I was going to Finland for a few days to drive on the ice in a Porsche. At the time, she was responsible for marketing for Porsche Antwerp.
Interviewer: There happened something in cold Finland, in terms of love.
VDP: Actually, yes.
Interviewer: She now knows the basics of cycling?
VDP: She is learning more and more. She is also proud when she can say something correctly about cycling.
Interviewer: What I find striking is yet another woman who does not know Mathieu van der poel.
VDP: It's been a few years since I got to know her, but this is the way I like it.
Interviewer: You didn't have much choice I guess, that way. Are you now completely at ease here (place of residence)?
VDP: Yes
Interviewer: How long have you lived here?
VDP: I came to live here after the Amstel Gold Race. That is already a little over a year. One and a half year.
Interviewer: In a green environment, quiet. I know where you used to live. It is comparable.
VDP: Yes. In the beginning it took some adjustment. With my parents I had everything close by, physiotherapist, masseur. So that fell off a bit. It is only twenty kilometers from here, but you still lose half an hour by car.
Interviewer: That puzzle has now been completed?
VDP: Yes.
Interviewer: Do you still game that often? I read somewhere that on average you game at home for more than 2 hours a day? Are you still on that average?
VDP: Yeah. I think that's even more.
Interviewer: What game are you playing these days?
VDP: Fortnite. I always play that with friends. It’s actually the same as calling each other. In Corona that average has increased.
Interviewer: I had also read somewhere that when you still lived at home, you were the ambiance maker. How do you create ambiance? Telling jokes?
VDP: I always brought ambiance, yes. Jokes for example yes. I am someone who had a positive mentality. I am generally cheerful.
Interviewer: Speaking of home, you say gardening and washing your car makes you happy.
VDP: I washed my car yesterday.
Interviewer: That is mental peace for you?
VDP: I really enjoy doing that, yes.
Interviewer: Because it brings results?
VDP: Mostly yes.
Interviewer: In that respect it is comparable to gardening?
VDP: I do less gardening because it is too labor-intensive. My father is always working in our garden.
Interviewer: Does he come here often?
VDP: Yes. He always did that at home, and now also here. I used to often do the grass at home, which I liked to do.
Interviewer: Your father now has 2 gardens that he has to maintain?
VDP: Actually, yes.
Interviewer: And maybe later your brother's garden too. Does David have plans to move (out of house)?
VDP: Yes, he is looking around (for a house).
Interviewer: That will then be triple work for your father. But he is not one who complains very often.
VDP: No, he's more likely to work until he drops dead than not do something.
Interviewer: That's how we know him. How difficult or easy is it to live with yourself?
VDP: I don't think very difficult. Of course I am sometimes lazy, I want to rest sometimes. Because it is part of my job. That is sometimes difficult to explain, if we have dinner at someone's place and it is half an hour away by car, I sometimes say that I don't feel like it and prefer to stay at home.
Interviewer: But otherwise you are fairly easy going?
VDP: Fairly yes.
Interviewer: We do not hear any contradiction from the kitchen (where Roxanne is sitting).
VDP: A smile though (laughs)
Interviewer: Every conversation is also entitled to one gossip magazine story. Here we go. Wout Van Aert is busy with his succession (children). Are you working on that too? I'm also still at 0 (kids) just to
be clear.
VDP: No actually not. We've already talked about it, but I'm not 100 percent sure yet. It does determine a big part of your life. We have not decided yet.
Interviewer: Above all, think about it calmly, and certainly not rush things.
VDP: It is a decision that is very difficult to reverse.
good job! Thanks a lot!!
Sporza. Can you please please publish an english subtitled version?
Ik hoop vooral dat hij nog een keer Parijs Roubaix wint. Milaan San Remo en Luik Bastenaken Luik kan hij ook ooit nog eens winnen. Nu al een mooie loopbaan. Heeft ook een goed jaar achter de rug.
sous titrage en français ce serait cool pour les fans français !!!
Subtitulado al español por favor 😑😟
De editor houdt ontzettend van Lola :D en geef hem eens ongelijk!
Could anyone translate the MTB section please?
Its about that its very good for mathieu that he can cource cross en mtb its not a big part in the video from mtb
He sad also that he didnt needed to train for wk mtb but that just condition is unouf after it he sad he better trained.
Well, let me try to be a bit more informative: he states that cyclocross is really in his genes because he has been doing that since he was a kid, and that MTB took 4 years of training to be top level (like he was last year). He also says he really needs to dig deep in MTB-training to reach that level.
He also questions his current state, because he hasn't done a lot of mountainbiking, and that combining Olympics with TdF. But he is still in love with the MTB, and needs the diversity.
Klasbak respect
Leuk gesprek, maar waarom wordt dit opgenomen met 3 GoPro's?
Attempt to translate part (5): WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP CYCLOCROSS
VDP: not the photo I remember from that World CupInterviewer: we kunnen hem ook vervangen door deze foto
VDP: for me that is the photo, I immediately know that it is about that World Cup
Interviewer: When I was preparing this, I was thinking, third world title, 25 years old. I'm might say something now that you say I should not mention, but the 7 (worldtitles) of the Vlaeminck … not that far away. Not even for Wout van Aert, by the way. That is really feasible eh?
VDP: Yes. And with a bit more luck, I am still convinced that I had already been on more than 3, but that is simply the way cycling goes. I try not to think too much about that either. The cross season of both me and Wout is no longer the same as it used to be. There is only one goal left for both of us, and that is to become world champion. I think people need to realize that. For example, that second place in Gavere, it’s is no longer good enough for the people. I also prefer to win, of course, but I can also be happy with that second place. You should also not forget that (cyclo)crosses are very specific. We come from a difficult road season and it’s not so easy to just suddenly participate.
Interviewer: On the other hand, in 2 years' time nobody will talk about that second place in Gavere. There is no one who cares about that anymore.
VDP: No indeed. But that is the case with everything. That's what Pidcock said so beautifully in his interview. He finished 20th in his first cross in Tabor. Nobody is going to say anything about that anymore. That is very typical of cycling. When I finish second in Gavere, there is no longer anyone mentioning the fact I won Tour Of Flanders, and that's how it always goes. You are always judged on the last performance. That is the case in every sport, and that may be the hard part of top sport. It is always nice when someone quits (career end), only then they look back at what they have won. If you look at Tom Boonen … I saw a list on Twitter the other day, what he has won, it’s absurd.
Interviewer: How do you deal with that?
VDP: I can handle that very well
Interviewer: We can all consider that as obvious, but it is not all that evident.
VDP: No, but you will learn to deal with it. I really have no problem with that
Interviewer: Back to those 7 world titles of De Vlaeminck. You are a champion, do you take records into account? Or do you only start thinking about it when you have won 5, for example?
VDP: Indeed, with me it is more like that. It's not like I make it a goal now. It is only when it is feasible that I think about it. Certainly not at the moment.
Interviewer: What drives you in cyclocross, I wonder?
VDP: Fun is the most important thing to me. I try to remain multidisciplinary for as long as possible.
Interviewer: Because you think it makes you better?
VDP: Both mentally and physically I think, indeed. It also has something unique to sponsors. I think that has also made me an ambassador at Canyon. It is quite unique that 1 rider in all disciplines can promote a bicycle. I think that also makes me strong as a product.
Interviewer: It's not that sometimes you are at the start of a cross like Gavere, with the thought: Been There, Done That?
VDP: Yes, but I have the feeling with (cyclo)cross in general.
Interviewer: You know these courses by heart, it is always the same route to the cross. Is everything you do now in function of the World Championships? Because you can't participate in the Worlds without riding one cross?
VDP: No, certainly not. I think it would be a nice challenge though, but that is almost impossible. I don't just ride the other races just to participate, but it is with the Worlds in the back of my mind.
Interviewer: Will this be the way for years to come? Or are you going to ride even fewer races in cyclocross?
VDP: This is the minimum. I keep riding a minimum of crosses. You can also see that with Stybar for example. It deteriorates very quickly if you do not ride cyclocross in the winter, or if you do a few crosses less. When you get into the rhythm, it's already done then. I want to avoid that.
Interviewer: It is a good you mention him. Stybar is a former world champion. You would think he could always start and compete to win right away.
VDP: That's how people think about it. You read that about Van Aert too. It is not that obvious.
Interviewer: How do you do mountain biking, because that is even more specific than the cross?
VDP: It is, yes. Cyclocross is in my genes. I've been doing that from an early age. It is something I will not soon forget. But mountain biking is something that I have not been doing for very long, and I also have to give everything in training.
Interviewer: Do you feel that you are not yet accomplished in mountain biking?
VDP: Last year I did had that feeling, that I mastered it. But that took me four years.
Interviewer: We already briefly discussed your 2021 season. You say your next goal is the cyclocross world championship in Ostend. How many times can you be top in a year? Ostend, spring classics, Tour De France, Olympic games, ... Won't you be at your best in the Tour De France yet? But hopefully enough to be able to do something in the Tour De France?
VDP: Indeed, the Tour De France is less important to me than the Olympics.
Interviewer: You can also leave the Tour after 10 days?
VDP: Yes, but I don't want that. I don't think the Tour is something you ride in preparation for the Olympics. I think if you go to the Tour to just ride along, then you shouldn't ride the Tour.
Interviewer: So the chance that you will not ride the Tour is realistic? Or are you not allowed to say much about it yet?
VDP: No, but I think it will be mandatory for the sponsors to participate in the Tour anyway.
Interviewer: It is quite a puzzle you have to make: your own interests, but also taking others into account.
VDP: Yes indeed, but I never underestimate the importance of sponsors, without them we have no sport. It is not only important what you want yourself, you also have to take others into account. I am already quite free within the team, so now and then it is up to me to make a concession.
Wat 75-77 kilo?! wist niet dat dat ie zo zwaar was. Leuk interview van die twee Belgen;)
Neee , geen tour maar wel MTB OS aub!
Schitterend!
Attempt to translate part (9): FATHER; ADRIE VAN DER POEL
Reporter: What do you admire about your father?
VDP: A lot, especially in the beginning of my career, he was important. It’s easier if you have someone who knows everything about the sport. Tire pressure, gear, that sort of things. He also knew what kind of trainings I had to do.
Reporter: The ideal teacher?
VDP: Yeah I think so.
Reporter: He has a lot of experience of course. What do you think he admires most about you?
VDP: That I have chosen my own path, I think. I know he wasn't in favor of mountain biking in the beginning, but if it’s in my head, I'll continue. Now he has turned around, because he also sees what it brings me. I do think he now sees its added value
Reporter: Is he still a strict teacher, of has he never been one?
VDP: No, it might look like that. It’s the same with Cristophe (Roodhoofdt). He’s always surly on TV,
while he's not like that at all.
Reporter: It's true what you say. I once went to Milan with your dad and that was a really nice evening.
VDP: You should also not forget, the moment you interview him he is focused on the cross. That is the case with everyone you interview and who is present at the cross.
Reporter: On the other hand, I think both the viewer and the organizers don't want anything else than those oneliners
VDP: I appreciate that in my father, he does not mince words, he always tells the truth even if that is not what people want to hear, so am I. I try to be straight forward. I don't think it will help you if you don't.
Reporter: Don't you have to stand firm for that? (be confident)
VDP: Yes, but that is something you learn.
Reporter: And having proven something in cycling might help too?
VDP: Yeah, off course.
Reporter: What else can you improve in according to him?
VDP: climbing, he often says I should train more uphill.
Reporter: Is that good for everything?
VDP: I think it’s good for everything. I also like to do that in training. Not in competition because the lightweights then ride too fast. The added advantage of climbing is, if you now drive up a mountain on stage, before you know it you will drive 300 watt. If you have to do that on the flat … that is a big difference.
Reporter: Talking about weight: you now weigh 3 kilos less, is that just a normal evolution, or have you made an effort
VDP: no, I almost didn’t made an effort for it, although we did not receive much food during our training camp. In the cross season the training is more intensive, more interval. I also run without breakfast, these are things that stimulate my body to lose weight.
Reporter: How many times a week do you run without breakfast?
VDP: once usually,
Reporter: you shouldn't do that too much indeed
VDP: no, it is also an attack on the muscles, I think, so I do it no more then once a week.
Reporter: Speaking of food, has it already progressed that far, as with Jumb-Visma, that the meals are weighed up?
VDP: Yes, it starts to come.
Reporter: Can you handle it well?
VDP: Yes I find it very easy. If you get everything delivered a month before your big goal, you can eat this and this is perfect for you, nothing else. That brings a lot of mental peace. You must be able to do it. But I don't think you should be hungry as a professional athlete. I woke up twice on my training camp, hungry. I don't think that's the way.
Reporter: So you work sometimes with an dietician?
VDP: We have been working with a dietician for a long time and we have a strong focus on food, everyone has. I strongly believe that nutrition can make a difference, which is why I started for Gold supplementation, I really believe in those things. Ultimately what you put into your body is fuel, which is not to say that once a week fries is bad for you.
Reporter: How long can you keep doing that (weighted meals)?
VDP: no, I don't think so (not for very long). You also see that with many riders. They fluctuate very hard in weight. I've never had that because I've never done extreme diet. My weight always remains about the same.
Reporter: Being?
VDP: I'm usually around 75-77
Reporter: about your father: how well do you know his career?
VDP: not super good, I know a bit.
Reporter: not ready for a test?
VDP: If they are easy questions. I know very little about cycling in general from the past. So the period that he cycled.
Reporter: And the Era Boonen?
VDP: Better, but even then I wasn't watching road cycling actually.
Reporter: did you watch sports, football or?
VDP: Yes I played soccer myself. I always liked watching motocross and formula 1, cyclocross yes, road cycling did not interest me that much
Reporter: which classic didn't he win? LBL, gold race, lombardy?
VDP: gold race,
Reporter: lombardia!
VDP: Oops, I thought he said he won that race
Reporter: He became world champion in?
VDP: in 96
Reporter: which classic didn’t he win: Sanremo, Roubaix of RVL
VDP: That’s a trick question! He didn’t Roubaiw, AND he didn’t win Sanremo
Reporter: Oops, Trick question indeed.
Reporter: how often do you discuss you career with your father, or is it mainly small talk?
VDP: Mostly small talk actually, he knows that I am in good hands with Kristof De Kegel (performance manager of his team).
Reporter: if you want to know something you can always contact your father?
VDP: yes for sure. He was here for coffee and then he said that I should rest, but I wanted to run and ride on the rollers, so I just did what I wanted to do, I didn’t listen to him.
Reporter: Ignoring the advice of father, wauw. Is he man you consult about contract negotiations?
VDP: Yes, the only one, I don't talk to a lot of people about that, apart from the Roodhoofd-Brothers (his team bosses).
Reporter: what can I wish you in 2021?
VDP: a normal year for everyone, without corona
Reporter: When you become Olympic Champion, what will you do? Will you buy something as usual?
VDP: The chances are very high.
Reporter: An old F1 car?
VDP: Mm, that would be difficult.
Reporter: An old le mans car?
VDP: would be nice, I always reward myself with something after a big/nice win.
Reporter: Always in the motor/car theme?
VDP: Yes, mostly. But it can also be something small, does not have to be expensive.
Reporter: I would like to congratulate you for the warm atmosphere in the house. The Christmas tree is beautifully decorated
VDP: that is roxanne's job
Reporter: mathieu thanks and thanks for the coffee
VDP: you're welcome
Thank you
Thanks a lot for these! Made a tremendous difference, I was able to follow the conversation with these subtitles!
Is there any chance you could translate the part about Roxanne as well?
@@benjaminblirupcilleborg7876 Thanx! :) I will do the 3 remaining parts (cyclocross, Roxanne, Roodhoofd) today/tomorrow. The other parts you can find in the comment section below.
@@stb4220 amazing! Thanks a lot!!!
Wel geregeld het idee van, goh Ruben, laat hem nou eens uitpraten!!! Jammer! Want Mathieu wil echt dingen zeggen!
Nederlander, maar als je hem hoort praten is het een Belg. :-)
Vlaanderen gewoon weer bij Nederland! :-)
Yeah.... but Pidcock though!
Wat een slechte interviewer die Ruben zeg! Constant praat hij door de antwoorden vanMathieu heen. Hij laat hem niet een keer uitpraten en drukt constant zijn spraak er doorheen. Laat een grootheid als Mathieu gewoon eens helemaal spreken en onderbreek hem niet! Frustrerend is dit!
Hoeveel geld zit er in Fortnite Mathieu 🤣
Maybe some English subtitles please?? There are 23 million Dutch speakers in the world, and 1,5 billion English speakers, of which 360 million is a native language!! Think of your audience, its not only Dutch or Flemish speakers that are interested Van der Poel and cycling!!
I know the English are very smart and can lear this beautiful language.
@@markknoop6283 the English are smart, noooooooo we are not! We dont learn languages in schools, they don't have good system for teaching languages! But try and imagine this Mark, you have a class room with 20 5 year old British children, so which language do they learn, must we have lots and lots teachers for all the worlds languages, and all the books and separate classrooms! The financial cost of this is huge! So English is the language of Hollywood and music and pilots and sport now! So which must we all learn🤔😉
@@abritandhisbikeinpoland6802 you started of very wel school is a ducth word and it means the same.
The pronunciation is a bid different.
@@markknoop6283 oh well I know 1 Dutch word now, I did live there for 6 months years ago,but I know nothing now☹
@@abritandhisbikeinpoland6802 to bad man it is a great interview.
Google translate than.
MvdP