His Last Season 

"The Paralympic Games in Paris were extraordinary, with my three gold medals. In a way, I felt like I could stop there, but I was caught up in the momentum, and it pushed me to keep going. The fact that Cofidis offered me a professional contract—the first ever for a paracyclist—definitely influenced my decision not to stop. And then we had a fantastic year, the best season for Cofidis in the World Cup (9 wins, 5 of them for Mathieu)."

His Decision to Retire 

"I’ve been lucky to take part in incredible events, all the major moments of my sport. Recently, my son told me, ‘Dad, you’ve won everything, now you can stop.’ Hearing that made my life simpler. Until then, I was always afraid of letting people down, and that’s what pushed me to keep going, maybe even to the Los Angeles Paralympic Games. But on the other hand, I feel it’s time to rest my body. I also want to give more to my family, who has always supported me. For ten years, I dictated the pace at home because of races, travel, and obligations. Now I want to give back and enjoy everyday moments with them."

His Perspective on the Sport 

"If I have one regret, it’s that professionalization came late! I was fortunate to receive the first professional contract for a paracyclist alongside Katell Alençon. It was the first time in my career that I had a contract explicitly titled ‘professional para-athlete.’ After ten years in the team, it was a particularly meaningful gesture, and I’m very proud to have experienced it. Within Cofidis, I felt like part of a family. We support each other, we give everything… I want to thank all my teammates, Valérie Alexandre, Patrick Delcambre. I will always cherish these incredible memories."

Paralympic Games – Paris 2024

Three gold medals: time trial, road race, team relay

World Championships

Two gold medals: time trial, road race – Renaix, Belgium (2025)

Two gold medals: time trial, road race – Zurich, Switzerland (2024)

Two silver medals: time trial, road race – Glasgow, UK (2023)

Two bronze medals: road race – Canada (2022) and Switzerland (2015)

Also…

Gold medal at the European Championships, road race – Netherlands (2023)

UCI World Cup winner in 2023 and 2025

Winner of 12 UCI World Cup stages

Valérie Alexandre, Sporting Director – Paracycling Team:

"Mathieu’s departure marks a significant change for the team, both from a sporting and human perspective. The team has grown and become more structured with Mathieu as the road captain—caring, attentive, always ready to advise and support his teammates. Throughout all these years, he worked with extraordinary determination, regularly pushing his physical limits. He quickly became a reference point and already had the mindset of a professional rider before officially becoming one. His success did not come by chance but through hard work. This makes him a role model for all riders, disabled or able-bodied. We are losing our best rider but also a great friend. He will be deeply missed, as will his sport, for which he has been one of the finest ambassadors."

Raphael Jeune, General Manager:

"I sincerely want to thank Mathieu for all these years with the Cofidis team. Mathieu holds the most impressive record in the history of paracycling, highlighted by his three gold medals at the Paris Paralympic Games. But above all, he is a person of true values, a leader capable of supporting and helping his teammates. Mathieu will always hold a special place in the Cofidis family. We wish him all the best and hope he enjoys his time with his loved ones!"