Updated: July 27, 2026 – 07:00 IST
Cycling fans around the world know Mathieu van der Poel as the Flying Dutchman – a multi-discipline superstar who dominates cyclo-cross, mountain bike, and the biggest one-day classics on the road. Yet behind every elite athlete stands someone who keeps life grounded. For Mathieu, that person is Roxanne Bertels. Although many search for “Mathieu van der Poel wife,” the couple are long-term partners rather than married. Still, their relationship has become one of the most stable and admired stories in modern cycling.
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Who Is Roxanne Bertels?
Roxanne Bertels is a 33-year-old Belgian from Antwerp. Before stepping fully into the world of professional cycling support, she built a solid career in marketing, spending six years working with Porsche. She is confident, private by nature, and prefers to stay out of the spotlight – yet she regularly shares quiet moments of pride in Mathieu’s achievements on Instagram.
She comes from a sporting family; her father, Danny Bertels, was a competitive water skier and powerboat racer. That background helps explain her natural understanding of the sacrifices high-level sport demands.
How Mathieu and Roxanne Met
Their story began in 2018 at a Porsche work event in Finland. Mathieu was present as a guest, Roxanne as part of the marketing team. What started as a professional encounter quickly turned personal. Eight years later they remain together, living between Belgium and Spain, sharing a home with their dog Lola, and building a life that balances intense racing seasons with quiet recovery periods.
Life as the Partner of a Cycling Superstar
Supporting an athlete of Mathieu’s calibre is not glamorous every day. Roxanne has spoken openly about the realities:
- She sees how much he sacrifices – early mornings, strict diets, constant travel, and the pressure of being a perennial favourite.
- Being present during the difficult moments matters more than celebrating the wins.
- She finds joy in simple things that recharge him, such as a quiet day of golf.
- During the 2026 Tour de France she visited the race and offered steady support while the couple prepared for a major personal milestone.
In late June 2026, just before the Tour, the couple shared joyful news: they are expecting their first child, due in January 2027. Fans immediately nicknamed the arrival “Bébé VdP.”
Key Facts About Roxanne Bertels and Mathieu van der Poel
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Roxanne Bertels |
| Age | 33 (as of 2026) |
| Nationality | Belgian (Antwerp) |
| Relationship Status | Long-term partner (since 2018) |
| How They Met | Porsche event in Finland, 2018 |
| Previous Career | Marketing at Porsche (6 years) |
| Current Focus | Supporting Mathieu + healthy lifestyle |
| Upcoming Milestone | Expecting first child – January 2027 |
| Shared Home Base | Belgium and Spain |
Why Their Partnership Works
What makes this relationship stand out is mutual respect. Roxanne does not try to live in Mathieu’s shadow or chase attention. She has her own identity, her own interests, and a clear understanding of the demands of elite sport. Mathieu, for his part, has spoken of the value of having someone who understands both the glory and the grind.
In an era when many athlete relationships struggle under public pressure, theirs has quietly endured for nearly a decade. That stability is rare – and fans notice.
Conclusion
Roxanne Bertels may not hold the official title of “wife,” but she is unmistakably the most important person in Mathieu van der Poel’s personal life. From their chance meeting in Finland to preparing for parenthood in 2027, she has been a constant source of calm and strength. For cycling enthusiasts searching “Mathieu van der Poel wife,” the real story is far richer than a simple label: it is the story of a grounded Belgian woman who chose partnership over publicity and continues to support one of the sport’s greatest talents every single day.