No matter which path he takes, Mathieu van der Poel will keep pushing the boundaries of what it means to be a cyclist…
The cycling world is reeling from a
bombshell dropped by one of its biggest
stars—Mathieu van der Poel. The
reigning road cycling world champion,
known for his explosive style and
versatility, has hinted that his 2025
season may take an unexpected turn.
Instead of focusing solely on the Tour de
France, Van der Poel is considering a
return to his off-road roots, eyeing a
major mountain biking campaign that
could shake up his entire racing
calendar.
A Shock to the Tour de France Field?
For months, speculation had been
growing about whether Van der Poel
would prioritize the Tour de France in
2025, following his impressive
performances in the Classics and at the
World Championships. Fans were eager
to see if the Alpecin-Deceuninck
superstar could challenge for yellow
after his dazzling stage wins in previous
editions. However, recent statements
from the Dutchman suggest that his
summer plans may not revolve around
the world’s most prestigious road race.
“I have always loved mountain biking,
and there’s something special about the
freedom and technique it requires,” Van
der Poel told reporters. “I don’t want to
rule anything out, but I have some big
decisions to make.”
Mountain Biking: A Passion That Won’t Fade
Van der Poel’s love for off-road racing is
well-documented. A multi-discipline
phenom, he has conquered cyclocross,
road racing, and mountain biking at the
highest level. His heartbreak at the
Tokyo Olympics in 2021—where a crash
ended his gold medal hopes—only fueled
his desire to prove himself in the
discipline. Since then, he has
sporadically returned to mountain
biking, keeping the door open for a
serious comeback.
With the Paris 2024 Olympics now
behind him, 2025 could be the year he
fully embraces the dirt trails once again.
Some insiders suggest that Van der Poel
is keen on competing in the UCI
Mountain Bike World Cup and even
targeting the World Championships in
the discipline. His technical skills, raw
power, and aggressive racing style make
him a natural fit for the demanding sport.
What This Means for Road Cycling
If Van der Poel shifts his focus to
mountain biking, it could leave a
significant void in the Tour de France.
His attacking mentality, willingness to
take risks, and ability to deliver jaw-
dropping performances have made him
one of the most exciting riders in the
peloton.
Without him, the dynamics of the 2025
Tour could change dramatically. Rivals
like Tadej Pogačar, Jonas Vingegaard,
and Remco Evenepoel might face a
slightly different field—one missing one
of its most unpredictable and aggressive
racers.
However, cycling fans know that Van der
Poel rarely sticks to a single discipline for
long. While he may prioritize mountain
biking in 2025, it’s unlikely he would
completely abandon the road. A hybrid
schedule, balancing both disciplines,
remains a strong possibility.
The Bigger Picture: A New Era of Versatility?
Van der Poel’s potential shift toward
mountain biking reflects a growing trend
in cycling—athletes refusing to be
confined to one discipline. Stars like Tom
Pidcock and Wout van Aert have proven
that riders can excel in multiple formats,
from road to cyclocross to mountain
biking.
If Van der Poel dominates in both
mountain biking and road racing in
2025, it could inspire future generations
to embrace a multi-discipline approach.
His ability to seamlessly transition
between different styles of cycling is a
testament to his extraordinary talent and
adaptability.
What’s Next?
As the 2025 season approaches, all eyes
will be on Van der Poel’s final decision.
Will he line up at the Tour de France,
thrilling fans with his fearless
breakaways and explosive sprints? Or
will he trade the asphalt for the rugged
trails, seeking redemption and glory in
the world of mountain biking?
One thing is certain—whatever path he
chooses, Mathieu van der Poel will
continue to redefine what it means to be
a cyclist.
