Adri van der Poel is a retired Dutch professional cyclist. He had a successful career spanning from 1981 to 2000, during which he achieved numerous victories in both road cycling and cyclo-cross.
Van der Poel’s notable accomplishments include winning six classic races, two stages of the Tour de France, and the World Cyclo-Cross Championships in 1996.
You can follow Adri van der Poel’s biography, personal details, wife and family, career overview, net worth, career stats, achievements, and more here.
Adri van der Poel’s Biography
| Detail | Information |
| Full Name | Adrianus Aloysius Jacobus van der Poel |
| Nickname | Adrie |
| Date of Birth | June 17, 1959 |
| Age | 65 |
| Place of Birth | Bergen op Zoom / Hoogerheide, Netherlands |
| Nationality | Dutch |
| Height | 1.81 m |
| Weight | 70 kg |
| Profession | Former professional cyclist |
| Career Span | 1981-2000 |
| Disciplines | Road cycling, Cyclo-cross |
| Spouse | Corinne van der Poel-Poulidor |
| Children | Mathieu van der Poel, David van der Poel |
| Siblings | Jacques van der Poel (brother) |
| Father-in-law | Raymond Poulidor |
| Notable Awards | Gerrit Schulte Trophy |
| Last Team | Retired |
| Notable Achievements | World Cyclo-cross Champion (1996), Tour of Flanders winner (1986), Liège-Bastogne-Liège winner (1988), Amstel Gold Race winner (1990) |
| Tour de France | 2 stage wins |
| National Championships | Road (1987), Cyclo-cross (6 times) |
Adri van der Poel, whose full name is Adrianus Aloysius Jacobus van der Poel, was born on June 17, 1959, in Bergen op Zoom, Noord-Brabant, Netherlands. Van der Poel comes from a family with a strong cycling background.
His brother Jacques was also a professional cyclist, competing from 1986 to 1992. In 1987, Adri met Corinne Poulidor, daughter of the legendary French cyclist Raymond Poulidor, and they married in 1989.
Career
Adri van der Poel had a remarkable and versatile cycling career that spanned nearly two decades, from 1981 to 2000. He excelled in both road cycling and cyclo-cross, establishing himself as one of the most accomplished Dutch cyclists of his era.
In road cycling, van der Poel was particularly successful in one-day classics. He claimed victories in several prestigious races, including the Tour of Flanders in 1986, Liège–Bastogne–Liège in 1988, and the Amstel Gold Race in 1990.
Van der Poel also demonstrated his versatility by winning other notable races such as Paris–Tours (1987), Züri-Metzgete (1982), and the Clásica de San Sebastián (1985). In Grand Tours, he secured two stage victories in the Tour de France.
Parallel to his road cycling career, van der Poel succeeded significantly in cyclo-cross. He dominated the Dutch national cyclo-cross scene, winning six national championships between 1989 and 1999.
His cyclo-cross career reached its pinnacle in 1996 when he won the UCI Cyclo-cross World Championships, a victory that had eluded him for years despite multiple second-place finishes.
Van der Poel’s consistency in cyclo-cross was remarkable, with five silver medals in the World Championships between 1985 and 1991.
Wife and Family
Adri van der Poel is married to Corinne Poulidor. They met in 1987 and got married in 1989. Corinne is the daughter of the famous French cyclist Raymond Poulidor
Adri van der Poel and Corinne Poulidor have two sons, David and Mathieu van der Poel, who are professional cyclists.
Adri van der Poel’s Net Worth Details
Adri van der Poel’s net worth is estimated to be $1 million as of 2025. Adri van der Poel’s earnings likely came primarily from his professional cycling team salary, race winnings from his numerous victories in classic races and championships, and potentially from endorsements or sponsorships.
Career Stats
| Year | Major Wins |
| 1982 | Züri-Metzgete |
| 1985 | Clásica de San Sebastián, Paris–Brussels |
| 1986 | Tour of Flanders |
| 1987 | Paris–Tours, Dutch National Road Race Championships |
| 1988 | Liège–Bastogne–Liège |
| 1990 | Amstel Gold Race |
| 1996 | UCI Cyclo-cross World Championships |
Achievements
- World Cyclo-Cross Champion (1996)
- Tour of Flanders winner (1986)
- Liège–Bastogne–Liège winner (1988)
- Amstel Gold Race winner (1990)
- Two-time Tour de France stage winner
- Six-time Dutch National Cyclo-cross Champion
- Silver medalist at the 1983 UCI Road World Championships
FAQs
1. Who is Adri van der Poel?
Adri van der Poel, born on June 17, 1959, in Bergen op Zoom, Netherlands, is a retired Dutch professional cyclist. He was active from 1981 to 2000, excelling in both road cycling and cyclo-cross. His notable achievements include winning six classic races, two stages of the Tour de France, and the World Cyclo-Cross Championships in 1996.
2. What are some of Adri van der Poel’s most significant victories?
Adri van der Poel’s most significant victories include:
- Six classic races: Tour of Flanders (1986), Liège-Bastogne-Liège (1988), Amstel Gold Race (1990), Paris-Tours (1987), Züri-Metzgete (1982), and Paris-Bruxelles (1985).
- Two stages in the Tour de France.
- The World Cyclo-Cross Championships in 1996.
3. How did Adri van der Poel perform in cyclo-cross?
Adri van der Poel was highly successful in cyclo-cross, winning the World Cyclo-Cross Championships in 1996. He also secured six Dutch national cyclo-cross championships between 1989 and 1999 and achieved five silver medals in the World Cyclo-Cross Championships.
4. What is the Grand Prix Adrie van der Poel?
The Grand Prix Adrie van der Poel is a cyclo-cross race named in honor of Adri van der Poel. This event celebrates his contributions to the sport, particularly in cyclo-cross where he was a dominant figure.
5. Who are Adri van der Poel’s family members involved in cycling?
Adri van der Poel’s family has a strong cycling background:
- His brother, Jacques van der Poel, was also a professional cyclist.
- His sons, Mathieu and David van der Poel, are both professional cyclists. Mathieu has notably won the world road race championship in 2023.
- His father-in-law is the legendary French cyclist Raymond Poulidor.
6. What doping incidents did Adri van der Poel encounter during his career?Adri
van der Poel was caught using performance-enhancing drugs twice:
- In 1983, he tested positive for strychnine, which he claimed came from eating pigeon meat.
- In 1984, he was found with efedrine in his system, which he attributed to a cold remedy.
7. How did Adri van der Poel’s career influence his son Mathieu’s cycling career?
Adri van der Poel’s extensive experience and success in both road and cyclo-cross racing have undoubtedly influenced Mathieu’s career. Mathieu has followed in his father’s footsteps, winning prestigious races like Milan-San Remo, Paris-Roubaix, and the UCI Road World Championships, showcasing a similar versatility and tenacity.
8. What awards did Adri van der Poel receive during his career?
Adri van der Poel was awarded the Gerrit Schulte Trophy in 1986 for being the best Dutch professional cyclist of the year.
9. What was Adri van der Poel’s approach to racing?
Adri van der Poel was known for his meticulous preparation for races, his ability to handle a high volume of training, and his focus on both road and cyclo-cross disciplines. His approach was characterized by dedication, consistency, and a strategic mindset, often leading to victories through sheer endurance and tactical racing.
10. How has Adri van der Poel contributed to cycling post-retirement?
Post-retirement, Adri van der Poel has remained involved in cycling through commentary, coaching, and event organization. His insights are often sought after in interviews, and he has been instrumental in guiding his sons’ careers, providing them with the benefit of his vast experience in the sport.
