Mathieu van der Poel, one of the most versatile and successful cyclists of his generation, recently shared that mountain biking continues to hold a special place in his heart. The Dutch star revealed that he may even skip the prestigious 2025 Tour de France to dedicate himself to off-road racing, underscoring his deep commitment to pursuing excellence across multiple cycling disciplines. This decision, while potentially surprising to some fans, reflects van der Poel’s passion for mountain biking and his desire to achieve further goals off-road.
A Champion Across Disciplines
Van der Poel has built an exceptional career by excelling in multiple forms of cycling: cyclocross, road, and mountain biking. Known for his aggressive racing style, technical skills, and fearless approach, he has achieved major victories, including classic road races like the Tour of Flanders and Paris-Roubaix, and has claimed multiple cyclocross world championships. However, he has always expressed a fondness for mountain biking, a discipline he pursued early on and continues to return to.
This deep-rooted connection to mountain biking is not new. Van der Poel grew up watching and learning from his father, former Dutch professional cyclist Adri van der Poel, and developed a love for different terrains and styles of cycling. Mountain biking, in particular, has allowed him to blend technical ability with raw endurance, a mix he finds immensely rewarding.
Why Mountain Biking in 2025?
In recent interviews, van der Poel hinted that 2025 could be a pivotal year for him in mountain biking. He explained that after the 2024 Olympic Games, where he is expected to compete in the cross-country mountain biking event, he plans to reassess his schedule and goals for 2025. His potential decision to skip the Tour de France would allow him to focus fully on high-profile mountain biking events, where he could build on his already impressive resume.
Van der Poel’s decision is not just about racing but also about keeping himself motivated and engaged. The Dutchman has acknowledged that shifting between road, cyclocross, and mountain biking keeps him mentally fresh and physically ready. Committing to mountain biking in 2025 could allow him the opportunity to reset his goals, take on new challenges, and inspire others by demonstrating his commitment to the sport.
Potential Impact on the Tour de France
Skipping the Tour de France would undoubtedly be a significant decision. Van der Poel has been one of the most exciting figures in the Tour in recent years, drawing in fans with his spectacular attacks and relentless pursuit of victory. His absence from the 2025 race would leave a notable gap in the field and might shift the dynamics of the competition. Known for his aggressive riding style and ability to win stages in both flat and hilly terrain, van der Poel has become a crowd favorite, adding an unpredictable edge to the Tour.
However, van der Poel’s decision may also open the door for other riders to step into the spotlight and bring fresh excitement to the event. With his absence, contenders like Tadej Pogačar, Jonas Vingegaard, and Wout van Aert might find new opportunities to dominate the road.
Goals and Challenges in Mountain Biking
Van der Poel has already proven himself as an elite mountain biker, but he is eager to achieve even more in this discipline. In the past, he has faced setbacks due to injuries and the demanding schedule of balancing multiple disciplines. A dedicated season focusing on mountain biking could allow him to reach new heights, fine-tune his skills, and compete at his highest level.
The mountain biking calendar is packed with exciting events, including the UCI Mountain Bike World Championships and various World Cup races. These events not only test riders’ technical abilities but also their endurance, mental fortitude, and adaptability—qualities that van der Poel embodies. A full season of mountain biking could enable him to target the overall World Cup title, a prestigious accolade in the off-road racing world. Additionally, his participation could draw more attention to the sport, helping mountain biking grow in popularity and inspire a new generation of riders.
Legacy and Inspiration
Van der Poel’s willingness to prioritize mountain biking, even at the expense of missing the Tour de France, speaks to his unique approach to his career. Instead of focusing solely on traditional milestones and titles, he chooses to follow his passion and embrace challenges across disciplines. This approach not only defines him as a cyclist but also as an athlete willing to break boundaries and redefine success on his own terms.
His decision could also have a positive impact on younger cyclists. Van der Poel’s journey shows that it is possible to excel in multiple disciplines, and his success encourages others to pursue diverse paths within the sport. For aspiring mountain bikers and cyclists who may feel limited by traditional career paths, his example highlights the importance of following one’s passion.
The Future of Mathieu van der Poel
Mathieu van der Poel’s potential absence from the 2025 Tour de France will be felt, but his decision to focus on mountain biking adds another intriguing chapter to his remarkable career. As he continues to set ambitious goals and inspire fans across the world, van der Poel is redefining what it means to be a modern cyclist. With his unwavering dedication to multiple disciplines, he is not only securing his legacy but also helping to expand the sport’s horizons.
Whether on the rugged trails of a mountain bike course or the smooth tarmac of a Tour de France stage, van der Poel’s influence is undeniable. His potential shift to mountain biking in 2025 is a testament to his enduring passion for the sport and his commitment to exploring new challenges. As he embarks on this next phase, cycling enthusiasts and fans can look forward to witnessing one of the sport’s most dynamic athletes continue to push boundaries, innovate, and captivate on and off the road.
