Mathieu van der Poel, the Dutch cycling sensation renowned for his versatility across multiple disciplines, has once again captured the cycling world’s attention. Fresh off his seventh cyclo-cross world title and a commanding victory at Milano-Sanremo, van der Poel has unveiled his next ambitious goal: securing the rainbow jersey in mountain biking. This pursuit represents what he describes as the “last piece of the puzzle” in his illustrious career.
A Season of Triumphs and Transitions
The 2025 season has been nothing short of spectacular for van der Poel. Dominating the cyclo-cross circuit, he clinched his seventh world championship in Liévin, France, equaling the legendary Eric de Vlaeminck’s record. His performance was a masterclass in strategy and strength, leaving competitors like Wout van Aert trailing behind.
Transitioning seamlessly to the road, van der Poel continued his winning streak with a remarkable victory at Milano-Sanremo. This win not only showcased his adaptability but also reinforced his status as one of the premier classic riders of his generation.
The Mountain Biking Ambition
Despite his extensive list of accolades in cyclo-cross, road racing, and gravel, the mountain biking world championship remains elusive for van der Poel. Acknowledging this gap, he has expressed a strong desire to claim the mountain bike rainbow jersey, viewing it as a significant and missing component of his career achievements.
Mountain biking is not a new endeavor for van der Poel. His previous attempts at the world championships in 2018 and 2023 resulted in a third-place finish and a DNF, respectively. These experiences have only fueled his determination to return to the discipline and vie for the top honor.
Strategic Focus and Scheduling
To fully commit to this goal, van der Poel has made strategic adjustments to his racing calendar. Notably, he has decided to forgo the 2025 Road World Championships in Kigali, Rwanda, citing the course’s altitude and profile as factors that do not align with his strengths. Instead, he will focus on preparing for the Mountain Bike World Championships in Valais, Switzerland, scheduled for September 10-14, 2025.
This decision underscores van der Poel’s commitment to excelling in mountain biking. By prioritizing this event, he aims to optimize his performance and increase his chances of securing the coveted rainbow jersey.
A Legacy of Versatility
Van der Poel’s pursuit of a mountain bike world title is a testament to his extraordinary versatility. Already a world champion in cyclo-cross, road, and gravel, adding a mountain biking title would place him in an elite category of cyclists who have achieved world championships across multiple disciplines. This accomplishment would not only highlight his adaptability but also cement his legacy as one of the most well-rounded cyclists in history.
Reflecting on his career, van der Poel remains motivated by the challenges that lie ahead. He acknowledges that there will always be new goals to pursue and gaps to fill, emphasizing his enduring passion for the sport and his desire to continually push his limits.
Looking Ahead
As the 2025 season progresses, all eyes will be on van der Poel as he embarks on this new chapter. His journey towards the mountain bike world championship will be closely followed by fans and analysts alike, eager to see if he can conquer yet another cycling discipline.
Beyond the immediate goal, van der Poel has also hinted at long-term aspirations, including potential participation in the Vuelta a España and aiming for an Olympic gold medal in mountain biking at the 2028 Los Angeles Games. These ambitions reflect his continuous drive to achieve excellence across various facets of cycling.
Mathieu van der Poel’s quest for the mountain bike rainbow jersey encapsulates his relentless pursuit of greatness and his unwavering commitment to the sport. As he prepares to tackle this new challenge, the cycling community watches with anticipation, ready to witness another potentially historic achievement in an already remarkable career.
