Mathieu van der Poel: Considering a Return to Mountain Biking and Potentially Skipping the 2025 Tour de France
In the ever-evolving landscape of professional cycling, Mathieu van der Poel remains one of the sport’s most captivating figures. The Dutch cyclist, renowned for his versatility across multiple disciplines—road cycling, cyclocross, and mountain biking—is now stirring conversations with recent statements about potentially returning to mountain biking in 2025. What is even more surprising to fans and cycling experts alike is his openness to skipping the Tour de France, cycling’s most iconic race, in pursuit of his rekindled love for off-road racing.
The 2023 season brought van der Poel remarkable achievements, especially with his victory at the UCI Road World Championships, securing the prestigious rainbow jersey and further cementing his legacy. Yet, as he approaches his 30s, it seems he’s reflecting on his career path, future goals, and the unique challenges that come with each discipline. For van der Poel, a possible return to mountain biking, a sport he excelled in early on, represents both unfinished business and a desire for a new competitive experience.
A Star Across Multiple Disciplines
Mathieu van der Poel’s career trajectory has always been unconventional. Son of the esteemed Dutch cyclist Adrie van der Poel and grandson of the French cycling legend Raymond Poulidor, he was seemingly destined for the sport. However, his journey has been distinct in his fearless approach to racing across different formats. From winning cyclocross world titles to commanding stages on the road, and representing the Netherlands in mountain biking at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics, he has embraced diversity within cycling—a rare quality among top-tier professional riders.
Mountain biking, however, has a special place in van der Poel’s heart. His passion for off-road racing was evident during his Olympic journey, despite facing setbacks in Tokyo. An unfortunate crash dashed his podium hopes, but it didn’t dampen his enthusiasm for the discipline. Van der Poel has since expressed an interest in returning to mountain biking, particularly with a view to compete in the upcoming 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. However, to properly prepare for such an event, a full season dedicated to mountain biking in 2025 could be a step towards building momentum in this demanding sport.
Why Skip the Tour de France?
To many, the thought of van der Poel skipping the Tour de France may seem surprising. The Tour represents the pinnacle of road cycling, and as one of its most thrilling figures, van der Poel’s participation brings a dynamic element to the race. His explosive style, attacking mentality, and showmanship have won him a dedicated following on the world’s most famous cycling stage. But for van der Poel, the Tour may not necessarily align with his objectives every year.
Part of his decision may be driven by the intensive demands of competing at the highest level on multiple fronts. Preparing for the Tour de France, with its three-week duration and relentless competition, requires immense physical and mental commitment. Given that van der Poel’s primary focus could shift towards mountain biking, skipping the Tour may be a practical choice to avoid stretching himself too thin. Additionally, the allure of capturing an Olympic medal in mountain biking may outweigh the appeal of a Tour de France stage win for a cyclist of his unique ambitions.
Another reason is that while van der Poel has shown an affinity for classic one-day races and stage wins, he has yet to seriously compete for general classification in a Grand Tour. This lack of focus on GC results allows him some flexibility in deciding which tours to prioritize, with his Alpecin-Deceuninck team backing his personal choices and ambitions. His team recognizes his strengths lie in his versatile ability to win select stages, dominate spring classics, and excel in cyclocross and mountain biking, rather than in committing to the yellow jersey. By skipping the Tour, van der Poel would also give himself a mental reset, avoiding the intense media scrutiny and pressure that accompany the Tour de France each summer.
A Legacy of Unconventional Choices
Van der Poel’s potential decision to return to mountain biking isn’t just a matter of personal ambition; it reflects a broader philosophy he has maintained throughout his career—prioritizing enjoyment and authenticity over conventional success. His approach has often stood in stark contrast to that of his peers, who generally concentrate exclusively on one discipline. For van der Poel, success isn’t about fitting into a specific mold or meeting industry expectations. Instead, it’s about making the most of his talent in multiple arenas, finding joy in the diversity of challenges, and leaving a unique legacy.
Mountain biking, with its rugged landscapes and technical demands, offers van der Poel a different kind of thrill compared to the calculated, high-speed peloton battles of the Tour. For a cyclist driven by the joy of racing, the shift back to off-road may be just as fulfilling—if not more—than competing on France’s tarmac. Moreover, mountain biking has evolved over the years with more competitive formats, expanding opportunities for van der Poel to make his mark and bring new attention to the sport.
Balancing Legacy with Longevity
Athletes in their prime, like van der Poel, often face a delicate balancing act between maximizing their potential in the present and considering their long-term health and happiness. While the Tour de France offers substantial prestige, its toll on riders is well-documented. By alternating his commitments across disciplines, van der Poel may effectively prolong his career, staying injury-free and motivated. Moreover, this approach aligns with his consistent ethos of never limiting himself to a single path, thereby ensuring he leaves an indelible mark on each discipline.
If he does skip the 2025 Tour, it would undoubtedly be a disappointment for fans, the media, and perhaps even his sponsors. The sport thrives on star power, and van der Poel’s absence would create a noticeable void in one of the race’s biggest attractions. However, a return to mountain biking could also bring new fan engagement as he takes on a discipline with a growing following. His return could attract more interest from road cycling fans, potentially even boosting mountain biking’s visibility globally.
2025 and Beyond: The Path Ahead for Mathieu van der Poel
Mathieu van der Poel’s potential mountain biking ambitions in 2025 and his intention to skip the Tour de France demonstrate his dynamic and evolving outlook on cycling. His decisions are a reminder of the fluidity in professional sports today, where athletes increasingly exercise agency over their paths, often at the expense of traditional expectations.
The impact of van der Poel’s decision to skip the Tour could have wider implications. It could signal a shift in how riders approach their careers, inspiring future talents to prioritize well-being, personal ambition, and diversity in racing. By choosing mountain biking over the Tour, van der Poel would solidify his reputation as a true multi-discipline athlete, reshaping conventional career trajectories in professional cycling.
Whatever the path, one thing is certain—Mathieu van der Poel will continue to inspire, challenge, and entertain fans across cycling disciplines. If he indeed returns to mountain biking, it will not just be for personal gratification but as a statement of his unique philosophy and fearless commitment to the sport. The cycling world will be watching closely to see how this new chapter unfolds, hopeful for more of van der Poel’s unmistakable style, no matter where he chooses to race.
