Search
shop

Could Mathieu van der Poel become the next pro cyclist to convert to IRONMAN?

Could Mathieu van der Poel become the next pro cyclist to convert to Ironman?
Staff Reporter
Last updated -
Get the ultimate guide to destination racing

Reigning UCI World Road Race Champion Mathieu van der Poel may be the next cyclist to transition to long distance triathlon, with the Dutch athlete agreeing to race an Ironman in a recent YouTube video.

The five time World Cyclocross Champion, who has also worn the yellow jersey at the Tour de France, could potentially follow in the footsteps of Team INEOS Grenadiers rider Cam Wurf if he takes to multisport.

Agreeing to race a long distance triathlon if his recent video with YouTuber ‘Average Rob‘ surpassed 42,000 likes, the 28 year old may now be regretting his promise, with the video on 89,000 likes and counting.

How well could MVDP do?

If van der Poel chooses to race full distance triathlon, his potential could be limitless, as Wurf has shown in recent years as the Australian juggled professional cycling with competing on the biggest stage in triathlon.

Wurf, who may well be the anomaly with his talent of being able to turn his hand to any endurance sport, finished fifth at the IRONMAN World Championship in 2019 and has won and finished on the podium of a number of top tier events.

Lone cyclist Nice IRONMAN World Champs course 2023 Photo credit: Jan Hetfleisch / Getty Images for IRONMAN
[Photo credit: Jan Hetfleisch / Getty Images for IRONMAN]

Other former or current professional cyclists such as Geraint Thomas and Richie Porte have a history in triathlon or have shared an interest in Ironman, but it is the Tasmanian Wurf who has done it best.

Moving in the other direction, Olympic triathletes Paula Findlay and Taylor Knibb have proven themselves to be talented time trialists this season, as Knibb signed with Trek-Segafredo and Findlay represented Team Canada at the UCI Time Trial World Championship in 2023.

Whilst it’s likely van der Poel, who is in his cycling prime, will only race an Ironman as a personal challenge for now, the Dutchman will have the eyes of the entire triathlon world on him whenever he chooses to take the start line, as long course triathlon looks for its next potential Wurf-esque star.

Tomos Land
Written by
Tomos Land
Tomos Land is a triathlon & running journalist whose expertise lies in the professional world of short course & long distance triathlon, though he also boasts an extensive knowledge of ultra-running.
Discover more
Caroline Pohle Lena Meissner ironman 703 jonkoping sprint 2025
PremiumTriathlon’s mid-season report card: Tim Don on who’s raising the bar this triathlon race season
TRI-FIT VANGUARD tri suit review
The entry-level tri suit with a serious amount of performance for the price point – TRI-FIT VANGUARD review
Hayden Wilde bike supertri Boston 2024 photo credit supertri
Premium10 ways to make your road bike faster and more aero for triathlons
Kristian Blummenfelt photo credit: PTO Canadian Open
PremiumIs your gut health impacting your performance? The untapped potential of good gut health for triathletes
Laura Philipp and Kat Matthews on the run at the 2024 IRONMAN World Championship
PremiumHas triathlon reached peak performance? Tri experts and legends on how much faster triathletes could get
latest News
Hayden Wilde bike supertri Boston 2024 photo credit supertri
Hayden Wilde’s comeback moving closer – and why he’s inspired by Clarkson’s Farm
Paris 2024 Women's Triathlon podium - Cassandre Beaugrand, Julie Derron, Beth Potter
GOLDEN opportunity for the sport as first medals of LA2028 will be women’s triathlon
Gordon Ramsay 703 Luxembourg 2025
‘I’M BACK and Cooking!’ – Celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay celebrates triathlon return
Danielle Lewis (USA) takes the win in Lake Placid.
Start list for IRONMAN Lake Placid REVEALED – and it’s stacked with world class names
Julie Derron wins T100 San Francisco 2025
IRONMAN Vitoria-Gasteiz 2025: Olympic star wins by MORE than half an hour for first full-distance win
triathlon on your terms
Never miss out with our triathlon alerts & digest. Get a dose of adventure & inspiration with Boundless.
The 247 Group

The home of endurance sports

TRI247-LOGO_Primary-Black_RGB-1

CHOOSE YOUR MEMBERSHIP TO BECOME PART OF SOMETHING EPIC

We’re on a mission to elevate the world of endurance sport, becoming your go-to resource for expert training tips and inspiration, unbiased reporting and creating a platform for grassroots voices. But we can’t do it without you on board! Choose a TRI247+ membership option below and become part of something epic.

£7.95/month

Unlimited access. No ads. A whole library of tips, advice and inspiration at your finger tips, and the chance to shape the future of triathlon journalism.

100+ new articles/month

You’ll also gain access to our other premium websites:

Have an account? Sign in

£47.95/year
£95.40/year

50% Discount

Unlimited access. No ads. A whole library of tips, advice and inspiration at your finger tips, and the chance to shape the future of triathlon journalism.

You’ll also gain access to our other premium websites:

Have an account? Sign in

Share to...