Mathieu van der Poel fera son retour en course pour la première fois depuis son abandon du Tour de France, lors d’un critérium aux Pays-Bas. Mathieu van der Poel to make first racing comeback since abandoning Tour de France at criterium in the Netherlands.

Mathieu van der Poel fera son retour en course pour la première fois depuis son abandon du Tour de France, lors d’un critérium aux Pays-Bas.

Mathieu van der Poel to make first racing comeback since abandoning Tour de France at criterium in the Netherlands.

 

 

 

After a dramatic and unexpected early exit from the 2025 Tour de France, Mathieu van der Poel is set to make his return to racing at a criterium event in the Netherlands later this month. The 30-year-old Dutch star, known for his explosive style and versatility across multiple disciplines, will line up in front of home crowds in what is expected to be a festive and highly anticipated comeback.

Van der Poel abandoned the Tour de France during Stage 12 after suffering from fatigue and illness, which had hampered his performance since the first week. Despite showing glimpses of form in the opening stages, the Alpecin–Deceuninck rider was visibly struggling and eventually made the decision to withdraw in consultation with his team.

His departure was a blow not only to his fans but also to the team’s hopes for stage wins and visibility during the Tour. However, team officials stressed that his health and long-term goals were the priority, especially with the World Championships and the cyclocross season still ahead.

Now, less than a month later, van der Poel is ready to test his legs again in a more relaxed and controlled setting. The post-Tour criteriums, often held in town centers and celebrated with a festive atmosphere, are not part of the UCI WorldTour but remain popular with fans and riders alike. For van der Poel, it will be a chance to reconnect with supporters, gauge his recovery, and gradually re-enter the competitive scene.

The criterium, scheduled for August 17 in the city of Roosendaal, is expected to attract thousands of spectators eager to see one of the country’s biggest cycling stars back in action. Organizers have confirmed that several other prominent Dutch and international riders will also take part, adding to the excitement.

Speaking to Dutch media, van der Poel expressed his eagerness to race again: “I’ve taken the time I needed to recover and feel much better now. I’m looking forward to racing in front of Dutch fans again. It’s always special.”

His participation in the criterium may also serve as a stepping stone toward bigger goals later this season. With the 2025 UCI Road World Championships in Kigali, Rwanda on the horizon, van der Poel is expected to ramp up his preparations in the coming weeks. While it remains unclear whether he will be at full strength in time for Worlds, his presence alone adds excitement to any start list.

For now, all eyes will be on Roosendaal, where one of cycling’s most charismatic and unpredictable talents will make his long-awaited return to the peloton. Whether he races all-out or simply enjoys the occasion, van der Poel’s comeback is sure to generate headlines—and perhaps mark the beginning of another thrilling chapter in his already storied career.