Mathieu van der Poel Sets Sights on Mountain Bike World Championship Alongside Classics and Tour de France Goals
March 2, 2025 – Dutch cycling superstar Mathieu van der Poel has made it clear that his ambitions extend beyond the road this season. The reigning world champion on the road and a dominant force in the Spring Classics, Van der Poel has now set his sights on another major achievement: winning the Mountain Bike World Championship.
In an interview, the Alpecin-Deceuninck rider expressed his growing passion for off-road racing, saying, “I really want to win the Mountain Bike World Title.” His statement signals a renewed focus on fat tyre racing, which has been a significant part of his cycling career but has often taken a backseat to his road and cyclocross commitments.
Balancing Multiple Disciplines
Van der Poel is no stranger to juggling multiple disciplines. He has already conquered the world in cyclocross multiple times and made a name for himself in road cycling, winning Monuments like the Tour of Flanders and Paris-Roubaix. His impressive versatility has been a key factor in his rise to the top of professional cycling.
However, mountain biking remains unfinished business for the Dutchman. He previously aimed for Olympic gold in the discipline at the Tokyo 2020 Games but suffered a heartbreaking crash that ended his hopes. Now, with the Paris 2024 Olympics approaching, Van der Poel is eager to prove himself on the dirt once again.
Balancing MTB with the Tour de France and Classics
Adding mountain biking to an already packed schedule, which includes the Spring Classics and the Tour de France, will be a major challenge. However, Van der Poel has never shied away from pushing his limits.
His team, Alpecin-Deceuninck, has backed his decision, emphasizing the importance of keeping the Dutchman motivated and engaged across multiple disciplines. “Mathieu thrives when he’s chasing big goals. He has shown time and time again that he can handle both road and off-road racing at the highest level,” a team representative stated.
The Road Ahead
As the 2025 season unfolds, all eyes will be on Van der Poel to see how he balances his ambitions. With the Spring Classics fast approaching, followed by the Tour de France, his ability to transition seamlessly between disciplines will be tested once again.
If history is any indication, Mathieu van der Poel will be a serious contender in whatever race he enters—whether on tarmac, cobblestones, or dirt. And if his determination is anything to go by, a Mountain Bike World Championship title might just be within his grasp.
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