“I CAN’T CYCLE WHEN MY MOTHER’S BREATH IS WEAKENING…” – The cycling world was left frozen in disbelief when Mathieu van der Poel suddenly announced his retirement just minutes after this emotional confession surfaced, shaking fans, teammates, and rivals across every continent.

The announcement came without warning, at a moment when van der Poel was widely considered to be at the absolute peak of his career, dominating classics, commanding respect in the peloton, and redefining modern cycling with his aggressive, fearless style.

Only ten minutes later, a leaked behind-the-scenes video began circulating online, revealing a side of the Belgian-Dutch superstar that few had ever seen, transforming a routine press moment into one of the most heartbreaking episodes in recent sports history.

In the video, van der Poel sat alone in a quiet room, shoulders trembling, his voice cracking as he struggled to speak, finally whispering words that stunned everyone who heard them and instantly spread across social media platforms worldwide.

“I can’t cycle when my mother’s breath is weakening,” he said through tears, a sentence that instantly stripped away medals, trophies, and rankings, leaving behind only a son facing the unbearable fear of losing the woman who shaped his life.

For the first time, van der Poel publicly revealed the family tragedy he had fiercely protected from the spotlight, confirming that his mother, Corinne Poulidor, had been battling a serious illness away from cameras and cheering crowds.

According to sources close to the family, Corinne’s condition had worsened dramatically in recent months, forcing van der Poel to race while carrying a silent emotional burden heavier than any mountain stage he had ever climbed.

Teammates later admitted they noticed subtle changes in him, moments of distraction, quieter bus rides, and eyes that seemed focused far beyond the road, though no one imagined the pain he was hiding behind his composed exterior.

Despite continuing to win and perform at an elite level, van der Poel reportedly questioned himself daily, asking whether chasing victory was justified while his mother fought for breath, a moral conflict that slowly eroded his passion for competition.

Despite continuing to win and perform at an elite level, van der Poel reportedly questioned himself daily, asking whether chasing victory was justified while his mother fought for breath, a moral conflict that slowly eroded his passion for competition.

The leaked footage showed him breaking down completely, covering his face with trembling hands, apologizing to his team, his fans, and even his rivals, as if stepping away from cycling felt like a personal betrayal.

For millions of supporters, the video shattered the myth of the invincible champion, revealing that behind the explosive power and fearless attacks was a son making decisions rooted in love, fear, and deep emotional exhaustion.

Cycling legends quickly reacted with messages of empathy, acknowledging that no victory could ever outweigh family, and praising van der Poel’s courage for choosing humanity over glory in a sport known for relentless sacrifice.

Social media flooded with tributes, fans sharing memories of his greatest races while expressing respect for his decision, many admitting they watched the video in silence, realizing how little they truly knew about the cost of greatness.

Insiders revealed that the retirement decision was not sudden, but the result of long nights, hospital visits, and internal battles, culminating in a breaking point where continuing simply became emotionally impossible.

What shocked fans most was the timing, as van der Poel was expected to dominate upcoming seasons, potentially rewriting record books and cementing his legacy among the all-time greats of cycling history.

Instead, his legacy took an unexpected turn, shifting from numbers and titles to a deeply human story that resonated far beyond sport, reminding the world that athletes are not machines, but sons, daughters, and family members first.

In the video’s final moments, van der Poel softly stated that cycling would always be part of him, but that right now, every remaining breath of his mother mattered more than any finish line.

That sentence alone redefined his career for many, transforming retirement from perceived abandonment into an act of quiet strength and painful honesty rarely seen at the highest level of professional sport.

As officials confirmed his retirement shortly afterward, the cycling world stood still, not in outrage or controversy, but in collective reflection about sacrifice, love, and the hidden battles athletes endure behind closed doors.

Sponsors and teams publicly expressed support, emphasizing that van der Poel would always have a place in the cycling family, regardless of whether he ever returned to competition in the future.

While questions remain about a possible comeback, those close to him insist the decision was made without conditions, driven purely by the present reality of his mother’s fragile health.

In the end, this was not the story of a champion walking away from glory, but of a son choosing compassion over applause, leaving behind a silence louder than any cheering crowd ever could.