In a sport defined by triumph and tragedy, Mathieu van der Poel’s 2025 Tour de France campaign has been nothing short of a dramatic rollercoaster. The Dutch cycling sensation, known for his explosive power, relentless aggression, and tactical brilliance, has officially withdrawn from the Tour after battling through the early stages of illness, first a common cold, and then, as medical reports now confirm, pneumonia.
Van der Poel’s departure is more than just a headline. It marks the end of one of the race’s most daring and selfless performances, one that captured the hearts of fans and drew praise from cycling legends and pundits alike. His early exits from Grand Tours are not uncommon, but this one carried a uniquely emotional weight, both for the man himself and for the team he rode so passionately for.
A Warrior on the Road
Before illness forced him out, van der Poel had been making headlines for all the right reasons. The 30-year-old Alpecin-Deceuninck rider lit up the early stages of the Tour with fearless breakaway attempts that, although not always successful in terms of stage victories, showed his characteristic commitment to attacking racing.
Whether it was launching solo moves on transitional stages or pacing his sprinter teammate Jasper Philipsen in the final kilometers of flat finishes, van der Poel’s presence was impossible to ignore. On Stage 4, his vicious turn at the front during a late-stage attack nearly splintered the peloton and laid the groundwork for Philipsen’s first win of the race. It was a textbook example of how van der Poel’s role as both a leader and a team player has evolved.
“He’s one of the smartest riders in the peloton, not just one of the strongest,” said a Eurosport commentator after that stage. “He knows exactly when to go, and when to pull back. That instinct is rare.”
Signs of Struggle
But just as his form seemed to be peaking, whispers began circulating about van der Poel not feeling 100%. Observers noted that he was uncharacteristically subdued during stages where he would normally be active. By Stage 8, it became apparent something was wrong.
Initially diagnosed with a common cold, van der Poel continued to ride, even taking on lead-out duties in the hopes that the symptoms would pass. But the fatigue grew more visible. His turns at the front became shorter. His breathing more labored. On longer climbs, he began dropping back—a rare sight for a rider known for hanging tough even on terrain that doesn’t suit his profile.
Medical examinations during the first rest day revealed the full extent of the problem: van der Poel was suffering from pneumonia.
An Emotional Exit
Faced with the decision between continuing to ride and jeopardizing his long-term health—or pulling out mid-race—van der Poel and the team made the difficult, but necessary, call to withdraw from the Tour.
“I wanted to keep going. That’s always my instinct,” van der Poel said in a brief video message shared by Alpecin-Deceuninck. “But I have to listen to my body, and the medical staff. This isn’t the kind of thing you push through. It hurts, but it’s the right decision.”
The emotion in his voice was unmistakable. For a rider who thrives in the spotlight and cherishes the big stage, leaving the Tour like this feels like unfinished business. But the reaction from the cycling world was swift and supportive.
Teammate Jasper Philipsen called him a “warrior” and said that his early-stage contributions helped pave the way for the team’s success. “Mathieu gave everything—more than anyone expected, knowing how sick he was starting to feel. We owe him a lot.”
The Bigger Picture
While his Tour de France may be over, van der Poel’s season isn’t. His withdrawal is a precaution, with doctors confident that full rest and recovery will allow him to return to racing later in the season. The focus now shifts to the World Championships, where he could again target the road race title, depending on his health and form in the coming months.
But the setback in France will no doubt sting. For van der Poel, the Tour has always been both a battleground and a proving ground. While his explosive riding style is often more suited to one-day classics and spring monuments, he’s made no secret of his desire to leave a lasting mark on the Grand Boucle.
And yet, even in departure, van der Poel did leave a mark. His electrifying attacks in the first week were among the most talked-about moments of the race’s opening stages. His selfless work for teammates demonstrated his evolution from a headline-chaser to a true team captain. And his resilience—racing with an undiagnosed respiratory illness—won the admiration of fans and rivals alike.
Fans React: #ThankYouMathieu
The news of his withdrawal sparked a wave of reaction on social media, with the hashtag #ThankYouMathieu trending on platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram. Fans posted videos of his most audacious attacks, shared messages of support, and reflected on how his racing style has redefined what it means to be a modern professional cyclist.
“Watching MVDP ride is like watching a fireworks show. Even when it ends early, it was worth every second,” one user wrote.
Another fan added: “He may not have finished this Tour, but he reminded us why we love cycling—courage, sacrifice, and heart.”
What’s Next for MVDP?
Assuming a full recovery, van der Poel is still expected to target late-season goals. The UCI World Road Race Championship is a likely priority, and if he returns to form, he’ll be one of the favorites. He may also line up for the Vuelta a España, though the team has not confirmed any future race plans pending medical clearance.
Beyond this season, the bigger question revolves around van der Poel’s Grand Tour ambitions. At 30, he still has several years at the highest level, but the demands of three-week stage races—particularly given his cyclocross commitments in the winter—make it difficult to build a season around a full Tour de France campaign.
Still, if this year’s Tour showed anything, it’s that van der Poel continues to evolve. He’s no longer just a soloist chasing stage glory; he’s a leader, a strategist, and a team player. And with the right preparation—and a little luck—there’s no reason he can’t return stronger and more dangerous than ever.
Mathieu van der Poel’s exit from the 2025 Tour de France is a blow, not just to Alpecin-Deceuninck but to fans who have come to expect fireworks every time he’s on screen. But his early-stage efforts, heroic endurance through illness, and selfless dedication to his team will be remembered long after the final stage in Paris.
In a race defined by both glory and grit, van der Poel gave us both.
As cycling legend Sean Kelly aptly summarised in commentary: “Sometimes it’s not about winning. It’s about how you race. And no one races quite like van der Poel.”
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