Felipe Nystrom wouldn’t typically make Belgian headlines. However, after the incident with Mathieu Van der Poel, the 40-year-old Costa Rican became the talk of the town. And the World Champion reassures him: “Don’t give up on your dream,” he told Sporza.
Difficult life story of the Costa Rican
Van der Poel made the statement after learning about Nystrom’s challenging life story, which involved abuse during his youth, homelessness due to drug-related issues, and even seven suicide attempts.
It was MVDP who wanted to comment on what happened yesterday, Wednesday morning. “I got to know Felipe Nystrom’s story and began to sympathize with him,” said Van der Poel to the Belgian channel.
“Yesterday, however, he gave me a scare,” continues the five-time world champion. “At first, I thought he had stopped to let me pass until suddenly he wanted to go when I was at the same height. I had to make an effort to stay upright and avoid his bike hitting my face,” he explains.
Nystrom was eager to apologize to Van der Poel
Nystrom was desperate; he wanted to make amends for his mistake and look Van der Poel in the eyes to express how sorry he was. “But that’s not even necessary,” says the world champion.
“I wasn’t angry with him either. Felipe made a misjudgment, and that can happen. Everyone makes mistakes. He shouldn’t give up his dream because of this. I hope he stays here and completes his race program,” concluded Mathieu Van der Poel.