Mathieu van der Poel Hints at Bold Move: Skipping Tour de France to Chase Mountain Bike Glory in 2025
Mathieu van der Poel, one of the most versatile and celebrated cyclists of his generation, has sparked intrigue and debate within the cycling community by suggesting he may forgo the 2025 Tour de France to return to his roots in mountain biking. Known for his exceptional talent across multiple disciplines—road racing, cyclocross, and mountain biking—van der Poel’s potential decision reflects both his deep love for mountain biking and his desire to leave a lasting legacy in the sport.
This revelation has left fans and experts speculating about his motivations, his goals, and the impact this choice could have on his career and the broader cycling world. Could this signify a shift in priorities for the Dutch superstar? Or is it a strategic move aimed at achieving greatness in yet another discipline?
Mathieu van der Poel’s career has been nothing short of extraordinary. As the son of former professional cyclist Adri van der Poel and the grandson of legendary French cyclist Raymond Poulidor, Mathieu seemed destined for greatness from a young age. However, his journey to becoming one of cycling’s most celebrated athletes has been defined by his ability to excel across a variety of disciplines.
In cyclocross, van der Poel is a dominant force, with multiple world championships and countless victories to his name. On the road, he has thrilled fans with explosive performances in classics like the Tour of Flanders and Paris-Roubaix, as well as stage wins in the Tour de France. And in mountain biking, he has showcased his prowess by competing at the highest level, including a memorable run at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, where a crash dashed his hopes for a medal.
This versatility has set van der Poel apart from his peers, making him a fan favorite and a constant source of excitement in the cycling world. However, balancing success across these disciplines requires careful planning, and van der Poel’s latest comments suggest he may be ready to recalibrate his focus.
Mountain biking holds a special place in van der Poel’s heart. It was one of the first disciplines in which he made a name for himself, and his love for the sport has never waned. Despite his success on the road and in cyclocross, van der Poel has often spoken about the unique challenges and thrills of mountain biking, from the technical demands of the trails to the connection with nature it offers.
“Mountain biking is where I can truly feel free,” van der Poel once said. “It’s a different kind of racing, and it brings me back to why I fell in love with cycling in the first place.”
This emotional connection, coupled with unfinished business in the discipline, could be driving van der Poel’s potential decision to skip the Tour de France in 2025. The memory of his crash at the Tokyo Olympics still lingers, and returning to mountain biking would offer him a chance to rewrite that chapter of his career and chase the Olympic glory that eluded him.
The decision to forgo the Tour de France, the pinnacle of road cycling, would not be made lightly. Van der Poel’s participation in the Tour has been a highlight of his road racing career, with his thrilling stage wins and aggressive riding style earning him a special place in the hearts of fans. However, van der Poel has never been one to follow a conventional path, and his willingness to prioritize mountain biking in 2025 speaks to his broader goals as an athlete.
“For me, it’s not just about winning big road races or chasing yellow jerseys,” van der Poel explained in a recent interview. “It’s about challenging myself, exploring my limits, and leaving a mark in every discipline I care about.”
This philosophy has been a hallmark of van der Poel’s career, and his potential return to mountain biking in 2025 could be seen as a continuation of this mindset. By stepping away from the Tour de France, he would have the opportunity to dedicate himself fully to the demands of mountain biking, from technical preparation to competing in key events leading up to the Paris Olympics.
Van der Poel’s possible absence from the 2025 Tour de France would undoubtedly be felt by fans and the peloton alike. His aggressive riding style and fearless attacks have made him one of the most exciting riders to watch in recent years. Without him, the dynamics of the race could shift, opening the door for other contenders to shine.
However, his decision could also bring renewed attention to mountain biking, a discipline that often struggles to garner the same level of mainstream recognition as road racing. Van der Poel’s star power and crossover appeal could draw new fans to the sport, highlighting its unique challenges and showcasing the depth of talent within the mountain biking community.
From a commercial perspective, his sponsors and partners would likely support his move, recognizing the potential for expanded reach and visibility in a different cycling discipline. Van der Poel’s versatility makes him a valuable ambassador for the sport as a whole, and his ability to generate excitement across multiple platforms is unmatched.
While van der Poel’s plans for 2025 remain speculative at this stage, the prospect of him skipping the Tour de France to focus on mountain biking has already sparked significant conversation. For van der Poel, the decision ultimately comes down to his passion for the sport and his desire to challenge himself in new and meaningful ways.
“I’ve always believed that cycling is about more than just one race or one discipline,” van der Poel said. “It’s about pushing yourself to be the best you can be, wherever that journey takes you.”
If he does choose to return to mountain biking in 2025, it would not only mark a significant moment in his career but also serve as a reminder of the unique spirit that defines him as an athlete. Whether on the road, in the mud, or on the trails, Mathieu van der Poel continues to inspire fans with his fearless approach to the sport and his unwavering commitment to pursuing his passions.
As the cycling world waits to see how van der Poel’s plans unfold, one thing is certain: wherever he chooses to race, he will bring the same electrifying energy, unparalleled skill, and love for the sport that have made him one of the most celebrated riders of his generation. And whether it’s on the roads of France or the rugged trails of the world’s top mountain biking events, van der Poel’s journey promises to be one worth watching.
