Van der Poel, Bruce Lee and his relationship with Oakley

At first glance, Mathieu van der Poel and Bruce Lee belong to completely different worlds. One dominates modern road cycling, cyclocross, and MTB, while the other is an absolute legend of cinema and martial arts. However, both share an element that connects current sports with pop culture from the 1960s.

Van der Poel, Bruce Lee, and Their Relationship with Oakley

Since 2021, Van der Poel has been regularly competing with Oakley glasses, a brand with which he maintains a close collaboration. It is common to see him training and competing with different models, adapting his choice to each discipline and condition, from road cycling to cyclocross or MTB.

The relationship goes beyond simple sponsorship. Oakley has even launched special editions of some Sutro models with Van der Poel's personal branding, reinforcing his image as one of the most influential riders even outside of competition.

But among all the models he uses, two clearly stand out as favorites for competition: the Oakley Kato and the more recent Oakley Velo Kato. Both share a very recognizable design with a unique panoramic lens that acts almost like a mask, covering the face from side to side.

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This concept offers maximum protection and aerodynamics, as well as a continuous field of vision without interruptions, which is key in explosive and technical disciplines like cyclocross or the spring classics.

What many fans do not know is the aesthetic origin of this design. Although Oakley has never officially acknowledged the inspiration, the similarities are hard to ignore. The name “Kato” is not a coincidence.

Kato was the character played by Bruce Lee in the television series The Green Hornet, which aired in the 1960s. In the series, Lee's character frequently appeared with a fitted mask that covered much of his face, a visual element that notably resembles the aesthetic of the current Oakley Kato.

So, as strange as it may sound, the glasses currently used by Mathieu van der Poel, Van Aert, and other cyclists sponsored by Oakley are directly connected to Bruce Lee. Another example of how modern sports design draws from historical and cultural references that are much broader than they may seem at first glance.