Mathieu van der Poel, the Dutch cycling sensation, recently hinted he might skip the 2025 Tour de France to pursue his mountain biking passion. Known for his versatile talents across road racing, cyclocross, and mountain biking, van der Poel has always kept fans guessing about his next move. His decision could signal a shift back to his roots in mountain biking, where he originally found success and enjoyment.
The allure of mountain biking isn’t new for van der Poel. He won the World Mountain Bike Championship in 2023 and has expressed a continued passion for off-road racing. His interest in the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, where he plans to compete in mountain biking, has only intensified his focus. “Mountain biking has always been special for me, and the Olympics are a big goal,” van der Poel explained in a recent interview. “Skipping the Tour de France in 2025 would give me a chance to prepare and compete more seriously in mountain biking events.”
For van der Poel, balancing disciplines has often been a challenge, especially with the demanding schedule of the World Tour and his aspirations in other cycling forms. Skipping the Tour de France, one of cycling’s most prestigious races