Mathieu van der Poel Clinches Historic Third Consecutive Paris–Roubaix Victory

Dutch cycling sensation Mathieu van der Poel cemented his legacy on April 13, 2025, with a stunning win at Paris–Roubaix, securing his third consecutive title in the iconic one-day classic. The grueling 259.2 km race from Compiègne to the historic Roubaix Velodrome featured 29 demanding cobbled sectors, testing riders to their limits. With this victory, van der Poel joins the elite ranks of Octave Lapize and Francesco Moser—two of the only riders in history to achieve a Paris–Roubaix hat trick.

Thrilling Duel with Pogačar

The race was defined by a fierce showdown between van der Poel and Slovenian star Tadej Pogačar. The pair broke away from the peloton early, building a significant lead and thrilling spectators with their head-to-head battle. However, Pogačar’s ambitions were derailed after a crash in sector 9 and two subsequent bike changes. Though he fought valiantly to close the gap, van der Poel’s relentless pace proved too much.

Even after suffering a mid-race puncture, van der Poel maintained his composure and surged ahead, crossing the finish line solo in 5 hours, 25 minutes, and 58 seconds. Pogačar finished second, with Denmark’s Mads Pedersen rounding out the podium in third place.

Resilience Amid Unforeseen Drama

Van der Poel’s path to victory wasn’t without drama. During the race, an intoxicated spectator hurled a full water bottle at him, striking his face. Though momentarily shaken, the Dutchman pressed on, later comparing the impact to being hit by a rock. The 28-year-old Belgian responsible for the act later came forward to apologize, expressing remorse and admitting he had been drunk.

Despite the incident, van der Poel never lost focus, showcasing the grit and determination that has come to define his career.

A Milestone in a Decorated Career

This latest win adds another milestone to van der Poel’s impressive résumé, which includes victories in the Tour of Flanders, Milan–San Remo, and multiple World Cyclo-Cross Championships. His unparalleled versatility across disciplines and dominance in the spring classics have firmly established him as one of cycling’s modern greats.

Joining the record books with three consecutive Paris–Roubaix victories further underscores his legendary status in the sport.

Eyes on the Future

With Paris–Roubaix behind him, van der Poel now looks ahead to the rest of the cycling season. Fans and rivals alike are eager to see how he continues to shape the narrative of 2025. As new challenges and races approach, his performance sets the stage for thrilling rivalries—particularly with Pogačar, whose form and ambition promise more electrifying battles.

In a sport rich with tradition and passion, van der Poel’s latest triumph is not just a personal achievement—it’s a chapter in the ongoing story of cycling greatness.