Van der Poel tears it up on skis and in Lambos: from world champion on the bike to drift king in the Alps

For Mathieu van der Poel, this week is all about skis instead of bikes! The Dutchman, who won his seventh cyclo-cross world title last Sunday in Liévin—bringing his total number of rainbow jerseys across all cycling disciplines to twelve—is enjoying a well-deserved vacation in Livigno, Italy, with his girlfriend, Roxanne Bertels.

Van der Poel had a packed winter schedule. He returned to cyclo-cross in Zonhoven at the end of December and, despite a rib injury, dominated all eight races he entered. The highlight? His victory at the Cyclo-cross World Championships in Liévin, France, where he claimed his seventh world title, matching the legendary Erik De Vlaeminck.

And what better way to reward himself than with a ski trip? That’s exactly what Van der Poel did. Along with his beloved Bertels and some close friends, the Alpecin-Deceuninck rider headed to the Italian ski paradise of Livigno. And, of course, fans get to enjoy the adventure too, thanks to the pictures shared on social media.

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Van der Poel hit the slopes last year too

Winter fun not only on skis, but also in Lambos

But a typical ski vacation? That’s not Van der Poel’s style. While he’s likely skipping the après-ski scene—keeping his focus on the upcoming spring season—there’s still time for some high-octane fun in the Italian mountains! Social media posts reveal that Lamborghini, one of Van der Poel’s sponsors, is also present in Livigno.

Spectacular footage shows the Tour of Flanders and Paris-Roubaix winner drifting on the ice in the Italian Alps in a Lamborghini. And not just in one car from the Italian car brand—videos shared by Lamborghini Antwerp show Van der Poel test-driving multiple models, clearly enjoying the experience.

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Many criticize Van der Poel's vacation choice

But is a ski trip really the smartest idea with a demanding spring season just around the corner? Over the past few days, many analysts and former pros have shared their opinions. Greg Van Avermaet, a Paris-Roubaix winner like Van der Poel, believes it’s not the wisest decision—especially considering the intense racing calendar ahead.

And it will be a busy spring for the Dutchman. Last week, Van der Poel confirmed that his season will kick off at either Paris-Nice or Tirreno-Adriatico, leading up to his first major target: Milan-San Remo. From that first Monument, he’ll move straight into the Holy Week of Classics, where he hopes to peak again.

But before he resumes training for the one-day classics, he’s making the most of his time in the snow—just like Thibau Nys. The Belgian, who won bronze in Liévin last Sunday, has also gone on a ski trip. His Instagram posts show him enjoying the break just as much as Van der Poel. "Having a great time here," the European champion commented dryly.

Read also

Van der Poel and Nys criticized for going skiing: "Not recommended for a spring rider"

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