Mathieu van der Poel is no stranger to rewriting the script of modern cycling. Whether it’s tearing up the road classics, dazzling in cyclo-cross, or pushing boundaries on the mountain bike, the Dutch superstar continues to expand his legend. Now, in 2025, van der Poel is sharpening his focus like never before. The target? The Mountain Bike World Championships in Crans-Montana, Switzerland, set for September 14, 2025—a date that could finally deliver him the elusive rainbow jersey in the discipline that has long felt unfinished in his glittering career.
This isn’t just another race on the calendar. It’s the culmination of years of ambition, a decision to sacrifice the familiar for the uncertain, and a move that proves van der Poel isn’t content with being great in one arena—he wants to master them all.
The Road Taken—and The One Skipped
Earlier this year, the cycling world raised eyebrows when van der Poel confirmed he would skip the 2025 Road World Championships. For many riders, the road rainbow jersey represents the pinnacle of the sport, the ultimate honor. But van der Poel has worn rainbows before—five times in cyclo-cross—and already cemented his place among the greats with victories at the Tour of Flanders, Paris-Roubaix, and Strade Bianche.
Yet one jewel is missing from his crown: the mountain bike world title. Despite his versatility and dominance across other disciplines, the MTB rainbow has always managed to stay just out of reach. In 2025, he’s changing his priorities, refusing to let another opportunity pass him by.
A Season Built Around the Mountains
After an already impressive showing on the road—finishing second overall at the Renewi Tour—van der Poel quickly pivoted his energy back to the trails. Unlike in previous years where MTB was a secondary pursuit sandwiched between road campaigns, this season is structured around it.
Key to his preparation is the Les Gets World Cup, a crucial event where he’ll measure his form against the very best specialists in the discipline. Les Gets, famous for its demanding course and fierce competition, will act as both a proving ground and a dress rehearsal before the big stage in Crans-Montana.
This deliberate build-up signals something bigger: Mathieu isn’t treating mountain biking as an experiment anymore. He’s all in.
Why Crans-Montana Matters
Crans-Montana isn’t just another venue—it’s a battlefield with a legacy. Nestled in the Swiss Alps, the terrain offers steep climbs, technical descents, and a high-altitude environment that tests not only fitness but also mental resilience. It’s the kind of course that favors a rider with explosive power, bike-handling skill, and tactical sharpness. In short, it’s the kind of course that screams “van der Poel.”
For fans, the location adds to the drama. Switzerland has long been the heartland of mountain biking, producing legends like Nino Schurter, who himself has dominated the discipline for over a decade. To win here would be to take the crown in the sport’s spiritual homeland.
A Legacy in the Making
Van der Poel’s decision to gamble on MTB in 2025 isn’t just about chasing personal satisfaction—it’s about building a legacy across cycling’s most demanding formats. Few riders in history have managed to cross over disciplines with such dominance. The names that come close—like Marianne Vos—are etched in cycling immortality.
In many ways, van der Poel’s pursuit of the MTB rainbow jersey is the missing chapter of a story that has already thrilled fans worldwide. He has been called “a once-in-a-generation talent,” and rightly so. His ability to transition from the cobbles of Belgium to the mud of cyclo-cross to the technical roots and rocks of mountain biking is unparalleled. Adding a mountain bike world title would elevate him beyond generational—into timeless.
The Road vs. The Trail: What He’s Giving Up
Skipping the Road World Championships was no easy decision. The road worlds offer global exposure, prestige, and the chance to join cycling’s greatest champions on the sport’s most visible stage. Yet van der Poel’s choice underlines something crucial: he’s not chasing fame, he’s chasing fulfillment.
The MTB world championships may not draw the same TV audiences, but within the cycling community, it carries immense respect. It’s where purists, specialists, and dreamers come together. For van der Poel, the challenge isn’t about proving he’s better than his road rivals—it’s about proving to himself that he can conquer a mountain that has eluded him for too long.
Rivals and the Roadblocks Ahead
Of course, this journey won’t be easy. Riders like Nino Schurter, who continues to defy age and expectations, remain formidable. Younger talents are also emerging, hungry to claim their place in the MTB pantheon. The World Cup circuit in 2025 is stacked with competitors who live and breathe the discipline year-round.
But van der Poel’s advantage lies in his unpredictability. Rivals know his reputation, but his blend of road-honed endurance, cyclo-cross agility, and explosive power make him a nightmare to race against. If he’s in top form, he’s capable of reshaping the race in an instant—something no algorithm or training plan can fully prepare for.
Why Fans Are Excited
The buzz around van der Poel’s MTB campaign is about more than one rider. It’s about the fusion of cycling cultures. Road fans, cyclo-cross loyalists, and mountain bike diehards all find themselves united in anticipation. His presence on the MTB stage brings new eyes to the sport, elevating its visibility and inspiring young riders who dream of crossing boundaries instead of choosing just one discipline.
Social media is already alive with speculation: Will he finally win? Can he topple the MTB specialists on their home turf? Or will the dream slip away once again?
Whatever the outcome, one thing is certain—when van der Poel lines up in Crans-Montana, the cycling world will be watching.
The Bigger Picture: Cycling’s Multidimensional Future
Van der Poel’s career choices also reflect a broader trend in cycling. Riders like Tom Pidcock, Pauline Ferrand-Prévot, and Wout van Aert have shown that modern cyclists no longer need to be confined to one discipline. The barriers between road, MTB, and cyclo-cross are fading, replaced by an era where adaptability and skill diversity are celebrated.
By focusing on MTB in 2025, van der Poel isn’t just chasing personal glory—he’s making a statement about what it means to be a cyclist in the 21st century. Success isn’t about domination in one lane; it’s about mastering the whole highway.
September 14: A Date with Destiny
When the calendar flips to September 14, all eyes will be on Crans-Montana. Will Mathieu van der Poel finally claim the rainbow jersey that has slipped through his fingers? Or will the Alps remind him that even the greatest must sometimes wait their turn?
One thing is certain: his commitment, his preparation, and his courage to take risks have already won the hearts of fans. And no matter what happens, his story will add another unforgettable chapter to the ever-evolving legend of Mathieu van der Poel.
For now, the countdown begins. The roads of Belgium are behind him. The trails of Switzerland lie ahead. And somewhere in the Swiss Alps, destiny is waiting.
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