Mathieu van der Poel Announces He Will Skip 2025 World Road Race Championships in Favor of…
In a surprising turn of events, Dutch cycling star Mathieu van der Poel confirmed on Wednesday that he will not be competing in the 2025 World Road Race Championships. Instead, the 28-year-old will focus on preparation for upcoming events with an eye toward achieving even greater success later in the season.
Van der Poel’s decision to skip the prestigious competition comes as a significant shift in his racing schedule, as the World Championships have long been a crucial target for the sport’s elite athletes. The rider, known for his exceptional versatility and strength across various cycling disciplines, has achieved significant victories in road racing, cyclocross, and mountain biking. However, despite his success across these events, van der Poel explained that his absence from the World Road Race Championships this year would ultimately benefit his long-term goals.
The decision, shared during a press conference on Wednesday, highlights van der Poel’s thoughtful approach to his career. “It was a very difficult choice to make, but in the end, I believe it’s the right one,” he stated. “There are other key objectives that I’m focusing on this season, and skipping the Worlds allows me to prioritize my preparation in the most effective way possible. My team and I believe this is the best route to continue developing and to be at my best when the big targets come later.”
Though van der Poel did not go into specific detail about what exactly he plans to focus on in the coming months, sources suggest that the rider is looking ahead to the classic one-day races and major stage races later in the season. After an intense period of training, it’s clear that van der Poel intends to be in peak form for the Tour de France, one of the most coveted competitions in the sport.
This shift in focus also underlines van der Poel’s commitment to balancing his rigorous training schedule with the physical and mental demands of cycling at the highest level. While his absence will undoubtedly be felt at the World Road Race Championships, the decision could also serve as a reminder of the high stakes involved in preparing for such grueling events, particularly as he aims to dominate at races like the Tour de France, Paris-Roubaix, and others on the calendar.
Van der Poel’s decision to forgo the World Championships also speaks to his confidence in his ability to win major events. Many believe his preparation for the year’s key races will make him an even stronger competitor in the latter half of the season. It’s a calculated move, one that might allow him to regain fresh legs and sharpen his competitive edge for the rest of his season, particularly in races that play to his strengths.
Cycling analysts have lauded van der Poel for his strategic thinking, considering the tough physical demands of competing in both road racing and the one-day classics, as well as his multi-discipline ambitions. “Mathieu is known for taking calculated risks in his career, and this move to step back from the World Championships will likely set him up for something bigger,” said cycling expert Lars Hendricks. “It’s rare for riders of his caliber to sit out such an important race, but this only speaks to his long-term vision.”
Despite his decision, van der Poel’s commitment to his fans and the sport remains unwavering. “I appreciate the support from my fans, and I’ll continue working hard to bring my best form to the key races ahead,” he added. “This decision doesn’t mean I’m taking a step back; it’s part of my plan to keep pushing the limits.”
With the 2025 cycling season continuing to unfold, fans and competitors alike will no doubt be watching closely as van der Poel aims to dominate in the latter stages of the season. As the sport’s attention shifts from the World Championships to the classic races, the Dutch powerhouse’s absence from the World Road Race Championships may only heighten expectations for his upcoming performances.
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