JUST ANNOUNCED: La recuperación de Mathieu van der Poel de su lesión en la muñeca está completa, y justo a tiempo. El neerlandés ha logrado una rehabilitación milagrosa tras su caída en bicicleta de montaña en mayo, y estará presente en el Critérium del Dauphiné 2025, del 8 al 15 de junio.
The Alpecin-Deceuninck superstar’s goal will be to reach his best level ahead of the Grand Départ of the next Tour de France. There, Van der Poel will once again be key to the Belgian team’s objectives, and this year he may be able to hunt stage wins for himself…
Mathieu van der Poel’s recovery from his wrist injury is finally complete — and just in time for a critical part of the 2025 cycling season. The Dutch superstar, known for his aggressive racing style and incredible versatility across disciplines, has made a remarkable comeback following a crash during a mountain bike race in May. His participation in the upcoming Critérium du Dauphiné, set to take place from June 8 to 15, is not only a testament to his physical resilience but also a significant boost for his summer racing calendar.
The 30-year-old suffered a fractured wrist during a training event on the trails near his home, a setback that threatened to derail his preparation for both the Tour de France and the Olympic Games in Paris later this year. Initially, team doctors feared a lengthy layoff, with early reports suggesting he could miss most of the summer. However, Van der Poel defied expectations, undergoing an intensive rehabilitation program that included daily physical therapy, targeted strength training, and modified riding routines to maintain cardiovascular fitness.
His return to racing at the Critérium du Dauphiné — widely considered one of the most important lead-up races to the Tour de France — is a strong signal that the Alpecin-Deceuninck leader is on track to contend at the highest level once again. The Dauphiné, with its mix of mountainous stages, time trials, and sprint opportunities, will serve as the perfect testing ground for Van der Poel to assess his form and test his limits following injury.
Team staff have expressed cautious optimism about his performance expectations. “We’re not placing undue pressure on Mathieu,” said a spokesperson for Alpecin-Deceuninck. “The priority is making sure he regains race rhythm and confidence. That said, knowing him, he’ll be looking for opportunities to make an impact.”
Van der Poel’s return adds another layer of excitement to this year’s Dauphiné, which already features a stacked start list including Jonas Vingegaard, Tadej Pogačar, and Remco Evenepoel. While he’s not expected to fight for the general classification, his presence will undoubtedly animate the race, especially on hilly or transitional stages where his explosive power can make a difference.
More broadly, his comeback is important for fans of the sport who were concerned about his absence from major events this summer. With both the Tour and the Olympic road race on the horizon, Van der Poel’s presence promises thrilling action and the potential for unforgettable performances.
For now, all eyes will be on the roads of southeastern France as one of cycling’s most charismatic figures returns to the peloton. The Critérium du Dauphiné will be a key milestone in his journey back to the top — and based on his rapid recovery, few would bet against him making headlines once again.
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