Dutch rider Mathieu van der Poel has formally resigned his contract with UCI WorldTeam Alpecin–Deceuninck due to “unforeseen circumstances,” a situation that has shocked the professional cycling community. Van der Poel has signed a record-breaking new contract with an unidentified team, making him the highest-paid cyclist in history. This move has shocked fans, teammates, and sponsors alike.
Van der Poel’s decision after weeks of secret discussions and internal conflict about his racing schedule and team priorities, sources close to the matter told ESPN. The relationship apparently started to deteriorate over management’s handling of his 2025 calendar and long-term sponsorship commitments, despite being the face of Alpecin-Deceuninck for a number of years and guiding them to numerous victories in key stage races, cyclocross, and classics.
Van der Poel made an emotional speech early on Monday, saying:
“The most significant phase of my career has been working with Alpecin-Deceuninck.” However, there are occasions when uncontrollable circumstances compel us to choose different routes. I will always be appreciative of my teammates, the personnel, and the supporters who have helped me along the journey.
Although the specifics of his new contract are still being kept under wraps, sources in the cycling community have speculated that it is worth more than $12 million a year, which is more than even the salaries of former top-paid athletes like Chris Froome and Tadej Pogačar during their peak. According to reports, the agreement includes personal brand incentives linked to products, endorsements, and digital media content, as well as ownership stock in the team.
For Alpecin–Deceuninck, which has based a large portion of its current identity on the explosive talent and adaptable supremacy of the Dutch rider, Van der Poel’s departure represents a seismic shift. Van der Poel has personified the team’s ethos of aggression, inventiveness, and fearlessness on the road, from his triumphs at the Tour of Flanders and Paris-Roubaix to his legendary cyclocross world titles.
The cycling community has responded quickly and emotionally. Wout van Aert, a rival from Belgium, wrote on X (previously Twitter):
“What makes Mathieu amazing is that he has always done things his own way. The sport will follow him wherever he goes.
Van der Poel’s next destination is still one of the most carefully guarded secrets in cycling history once the dust settles. But one thing is for sure: both on and off the bike, his next chapter promises to redefine what it means to be a worldwide cycling icon.