Earlier this month, Mathieu van der Poel broke his contract with Alpecin-Deceuninck until 2028. Bicycle brand Canyon will then work with the current world champion again for the next ten years. Could that cause problems?
Johan Bruyneel asked himself that question in the podcast The Move. What if Mathieu van der Poel leaves for another formation in 2029? What would happen then with his partnership with Canyon? “In my opinion, Van der Poel will retire within five years. This is his last contract,” says Bruyneel.
The brand ‘Van der Poel’
Van der Poel is 34 years old when his contract with Alpecin-Deceuninck expires. He may no longer reach his top level, but he can still be a fantastic representative for the German bicycle brand.
“Canyon invests in the Van der Poel brand. This is what that brand is worth. This is great to see. Cyclists are usually popular as long as they win races. This is different. He is a name in himself. He is super popular everywhere. He’s probably the best guy to be associated with.”
Unseen
“He is one of the biggest stars on the road, he is certainly the biggest star in cyclo-cross, he can be one of the biggest stars in mountain biking,” Bruyneel continued. “A ten-year agreement is exceptional. I have never seen this before.”
“And how beautiful is that white Canyon bike? Van der Poel in the rainbow jersey on that white bike, it looks beautiful,” concluded the former sports director.
