In a major shift in strategy, Dutch cycling superstar Mathieu van der Poel has revealed that he will not compete in the 2025 Road World Championships in Rwanda. Instead, the reigning road world champion will focus his efforts on the 2025 UCI Mountain Bike World Championships, scheduled to take place in Valais, Switzerland, this September. The announcement, made during an Alpecin-Deceuninck media day attended by journalists from outlets such as Sporza, has sent ripples through the cycling community. With this bold decision, van der Poel is set to target a different type of rainbow jersey—one earned in mountain biking, a discipline where he has already made his mark in recent years.

A Bold Decision from a Versatile Champion

Mathieu van der Poel, who has built a reputation as one of the most versatile riders in professional cycling, has long been a dominant force across various disciplines. From road racing to cyclo-cross and even mountain biking, the Dutchman has shown an ability to excel in nearly every form of competitive cycling. His decision to skip the 2025 Road World Championships in favor of focusing on mountain biking demonstrates his deep commitment to his mountain bike ambitions and reflects his desire to achieve more than just dominance on the road.

Van der Poel’s victory at the 2023 Road World Championships in Glasgow was a crowning achievement in his already illustrious career. That victory marked his first World Championship title on the road, adding another significant accolade to his resume. It came after years of impressive performances and close calls at the World Championships, making it a highly anticipated win. As a seven-time cyclo-cross world champion and a former Olympic gold medalist in mountain biking, Mathieu van der Poel is no stranger to success in multiple disciplines, but his decision to pass up the 2025 road championships marks a new chapter in his cycling career.

His decision to focus on mountain biking isn’t just a strategic move; it’s a personal choice as well. Van der Poel’s roots in mountain biking go deep. As a child, he grew up in the sport, learning his craft on dirt trails before later transitioning to road racing. While he has been successful in road racing and cyclo-cross, mountain biking has remained an essential part of his identity as an athlete. Throughout his career, he has occasionally returned to the mountain bike circuit, where his skills have always shone through, securing him top finishes in various events.

A Historic Opportunity in Mountain Biking

The 2025 UCI Mountain Bike World Championships in Valais, Switzerland, present van der Poel with a prime opportunity to capture a second rainbow jersey, this time in a discipline that has seen him rise through the ranks alongside the sport’s best. Van der Poel has previously made a notable impression at mountain biking’s highest levels, including a silver medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. His blend of power, agility, and tactical prowess translates well from road to mountain bike, and his decision to fully focus on the discipline signals his intent to chase another major title.

The mountain bike world, with its iconic cross-country races, provides a unique set of challenges that differ from the long, grueling efforts of road racing. It requires a combination of explosive power, technical skill on rough terrain, and adaptability to rapidly changing conditions—skills that van der Poel possesses in abundance. The 2025 World Championships in Valais will feature some of the best mountain bikers in the world, including the likes of Nino Schurter, who has dominated the discipline for years. However, van der Poel has shown in the past that he can rise to the occasion in such competitive environments. A victory in Valais would mark a monumental achievement in his career, solidifying his status as one of the most well-rounded cyclists in history.

Valais, known for its stunning mountain landscapes, will offer van der Poel the perfect backdrop to chase another piece of cycling history. With its steep climbs, technical descents, and high-altitude challenges, the course will test even the most experienced riders, and van der Poel is well aware of what it will take to succeed. With the eyes of the world upon him, a win in the Swiss mountains would be a fitting way for the Dutch rider to add another chapter to his remarkable cycling legacy.

The Implications for the Road World Championships

By choosing to focus on mountain biking, van der Poel has made it clear that he intends to prioritize his personal goals over the expectations that come with being a world champion on the road. His absence from the 2025 Road World Championships in Rwanda will leave a notable gap in the competition, as van der Poel has been one of the most dominant riders in recent years. His decision may open the door for other contenders in the road race, but it also highlights the unique challenges that modern cyclists face in balancing their efforts across multiple disciplines.

The timing of his decision is particularly interesting, given his recent success on the road. Winning the Road World Championships in 2023 was a momentous occasion for van der Poel, as it confirmed his place among the elite cyclists of his generation. He had already established himself as a major force in both cyclo-cross and mountain biking, but road racing had always been the ultimate test of a rider’s versatility. By claiming the rainbow jersey in Glasgow, van der Poel proved he could excel on the world stage in every discipline, leaving many to wonder what his next move would be.

While many had expected him to defend his road title in 2025, van der Poel’s decision to focus on mountain biking offers a fascinating glimpse into his ambitions. It shows that, even after achieving the pinnacle of success on the road, he still craves challenges and opportunities for growth. For fans of road racing, it may feel like a missed opportunity to see him defend his title, but for mountain biking enthusiasts, his decision is cause for excitement.

Van der Poel’s Enduring Appeal

One of the most remarkable aspects of Mathieu van der Poel’s career has been his ability to engage fans across multiple cycling disciplines. He has cultivated a massive following not just for his victories, but for his thrilling racing style, his willingness to take risks, and his commitment to pushing the boundaries of what is possible. Whether on the road, in the mud of a cyclo-cross course, or on the trails of a mountain bike course, van der Poel’s natural talent and fearless racing spirit have made him a fan favorite.

As he turns his attention to the 2025 Mountain Bike World Championships, fans will undoubtedly rally behind him, eager to see whether he can take on the best in the world and add another rainbow jersey to his collection. His decision may be a disappointment for some who were hoping to see him compete in Rwanda, but it also adds a layer of intrigue and anticipation to the 2025 season. Will he succeed in the Swiss mountains? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: Mathieu van der Poel is far from finished, and his pursuit of greatness continues in full force.

In conclusion, Mathieu van der Poel’s decision to skip the 2025 Road World Championships in Rwanda to target the UCI Mountain Bike World Championships in Valais, Switzerland, is a bold and exciting move. It reflects his drive to conquer new challenges, and his commitment to mountain biking, a discipline that has long been a part of his cycling identity. Fans of the Dutchman and the sport alike will be watching closely as he gears up for a historic bid in the mountains of Switzerland this September. With his remarkable talent and relentless determination, van der Poel is poised to make 2025 a year to remember in cycling history.