Mathieu van der Poel, one of cycling’s most versatile talents, has once again stirred the cycling world by adding yet another ambitious goal to his already packed calendar. Known for his explosive performances across road racing, cyclocross, and the prestigious Classics, the Dutchman is now setting his sights on a new frontier: the Mountain Bike World Championship title.

Van der Poel, who has already cemented his place as one of the best all-round riders of his generation, confirmed his intentions to compete in the Mountain Bike World Cup and World Championship events in 2025. His decision to incorporate fat tyre racing into his calendar has sent ripples through the cycling community, as he takes on the challenge of dominating both the gruelling climbs of the Tour de France and the technical demands of mountain biking. However, this new endeavor isn’t just a passing fancy for van der Poel—it’s a genuine, deeply personal ambition to make his mark in a sport he has long admired.

Van der Poel’s ambition to conquer the world of mountain biking is not a surprise to those who have followed his career. The 28-year-old rider from the Netherlands has demonstrated an incredible ability to excel across multiple cycling disciplines. From his stunning victories in the Tour of Flanders and Amstel Gold Race to his dominant performances in cyclocross, van der Poel has earned a reputation for his fearless attacking style and versatility. However, mountain biking presents a new and exciting challenge—one that requires a unique set of skills that combine raw power, tactical intelligence, and a keen sense of timing.

A New Challenge: Van der Poel’s Love for Mountain Biking

Van der Poel’s decision to step into the world of mountain biking comes after years of flirtation with the discipline. He has participated in several off-road events in the past, including the famous Cyclo-Cross World Championships, where he won multiple gold medals. In addition, he has consistently shown a fondness for off-road races, often training and racing in rugged terrains to hone his bike handling skills. But now, the Dutch champion is determined to put everything he has into competing at the highest level of mountain biking.

“I really want to win the mountain bike world title,” said van der Poel in a recent interview, “I’ve always enjoyed riding off-road, and I feel like it’s a challenge I’m capable of taking on. I’ve been thinking about this for a while, and I think it’s time to give it a real shot.”

While van der Poel has achieved success on the road, winning prestigious races like Paris-Roubaix and the Tour of Flanders, he has often expressed that his love for cycling extends far beyond the asphalt. He has frequently trained on mountain trails and participated in races where the rugged nature of the terrain is far more punishing than the smooth tarmac of road racing. As a result, van der Poel’s approach to mountain biking comes with an added sense of excitement and purpose.

The addition of mountain biking to van der Poel’s already packed schedule brings a new dynamic to the cycling world. It not only shows the strength of his ambitions but also poses a new challenge to the likes of Tadej Pogačar, the Slovenian sensation who has dominated the Tour de France in recent years. The addition of van der Poel to the mountain biking scene is bound to shake things up, as his exceptional all-around talent brings an exciting layer of unpredictability to the sport.

A Rising Rivalry: Van der Poel vs. Pogačar

While Mathieu van der Poel’s ambitions to conquer mountain biking are clear, they also set the stage for an intriguing rivalry with another one of cycling’s brightest stars: Tadej Pogačar. Pogačar, the two-time Tour de France winner, is widely regarded as one of the most talented riders in the world, with a remarkable ability to dominate stage races across varied terrains. Though Pogačar has focused primarily on road racing, he has also expressed an interest in pursuing other cycling disciplines, including mountain biking.

Could the two riders find themselves squaring off in both the mountain biking World Championship and the Tour de France in the near future? The thought of such a rivalry has sent the cycling community into a frenzy, as it would create one of the most exciting duels in modern cycling history.

Van der Poel’s decision to shift focus toward mountain biking adds a new layer of competition to an already intense cycling landscape. It raises questions about the future of the sport, particularly in relation to multi-discipline riders. How will van der Poel juggle his commitment to road races like the Tour de France, the spring Classics, and now, mountain biking? Will this new venture put him on a collision course with Pogačar, a rider who has made road racing his own? And more importantly, how will they push each other to new heights?

Pogačar’s own versatility has been a key to his success on the road. The Slovenian’s ability to tackle everything from high mountain stages to one-day Classics has allowed him to become a dominant force in cycling. However, his interest in mountain biking could suggest he may be looking to expand his horizons and challenge van der Poel and others in new ways.

As for van der Poel, his foray into mountain biking may serve as a powerful reminder of his relentless desire to be the best at everything he does. While his rivals in the road racing world might be focused solely on the Tour de France or the Classics, van der Poel’s willingness to diversify his goals sets him apart from the competition. His natural ability to excel in any race format, whether on tarmac or dirt, is a testament to his unyielding drive and versatile skill set.

The Road Ahead: Ambitious Goals for 2025

For now, van der Poel’s focus is on getting himself race-ready for the upcoming mountain bike events. His preparations have already started, with significant training sessions designed to develop the skills necessary to compete against the best in the sport. While the upcoming season will see him continue to focus on the Classics and the Tour de France, van der Poel is also determined to make a strong showing in mountain bike events across Europe and beyond.

The 2025 UCI Mountain Bike World Championships, in particular, is shaping up to be one of the most highly anticipated events of the season. With van der Poel entering the fray, the competition will certainly be more intense, as riders vie for a spot on the podium. Though van der Poel is not the only top rider in the field, his status as one of the most decorated multi-discipline cyclists in history makes him a contender in any race he enters.

One thing is for sure: van der Poel’s entry into the world of mountain biking will add another thrilling layer to an already action-packed year of racing. And as fans of cycling eagerly await his performance, they are left wondering whether he will rise to the occasion and achieve his dream of becoming the Mountain Bike World Champion. With the Tour de France, the Classics, and now mountain biking on his agenda, van der Poel’s 2025 season promises to be one of the most exciting in recent memory.

In conclusion, Mathieu van der Poel’s pursuit of the mountain bike world title represents more than just another goal on his list—it’s a statement of intent from a rider who refuses to be confined to a single discipline. As the rivalry between van der Poel and Pogačar continues to develop, it will undoubtedly shape the future of cycling, making the 2025 season one to watch for all fans of the sport.