Of course Mathieu van der Poel is amazing at doing soccer keep-ups

Mathieu van der Poel hasn’t won a stage at the Tour de France yet, but he’s once more winning the Internet with his keep-ups. His skills on the bike are well-known by anyone who follows the Dutch rider. Whether it’s bunny hopping barriers in cross, or cornering like an absolute ace, the CX world champion’s technique makes him a joy to watch.

I am once again asking you to appreciate Mathieu van Der Poel’s insane skills

Just like world road champion Remco Evenepoel, the Alpecin-Deceuninck played a bit of soccer in his youth. Before Stage 3 on Monday, YouTuber Bas Tietema asked the Dutch rider if he wanted to juggle the ball a bit. Stage 3 went well for the Alpecin-Deceuninck team, with Jasper Philipsen winning the 193.5-km race from Amorebieta-Etxano to Bayonne. Van der Poel once again played a big part in the leadout and it worked out well for his Belgian teammate.

Everything about this leadout ?

Amazing seeing @RickaertJonas back to full strength, initiating this blastoff?

A pity Mathieu doesn’t share Strava anymore b/c #cyclingtwitter is dying to see that final km⚡️ profile

And #JasperDisaster casually sealing the deal ??#TDF2023 pic.twitter.com/3bpKY28nEu

— Atlanta Rouleur Collection (@AtlantaRouleur) July 3, 2023

It wasn’t without a bit of controversy however. Some said that Philipsen didn’t hold his racing line in the finale that saw Wout van Aert lose a chance for a win. But upon review, the judges deemed his sprint was fine, as the road itself was curved.

Fem van Empel is incredible with a soccer ball…Tom Pidcock not so much

All smiles, MvdP was happy to oblige with some keep-ups and you can watch him below the juggle the ball below.

Van der Poel se defende na embaixadinhas. #ciclismoefutebol#Tdf2023 #ciclismonaespn pic.twitter.com/tuTKfgiFM9

— O País do Ciclismo (@opaisdociclismo) July 3, 2023