Mathieu van der Poel targeting 2025 mountain bike world title and Olympic glory at LA 2028….

Mathieu van der Poel targeting 2025 mountain bike world title and Olympic glory at LA 2028….

 

Mathieu van der Poel, the versatile Dutch cyclist renowned for his prowess across multiple disciplines, has set his sights on two significant goals in the coming years: securing the 2025 Mountain Bike World Championship title and clinching Olympic gold at the Los Angeles 2028 Games.

 

Mountain Bike World Championship 2025.

 

Despite his extensive achievements in cyclo-cross, road racing, and gravel events, van der Poel has yet to claim a World Championship in mountain biking. He has previously secured third place at the UCI Mountain Bike World Championships but has not reached the top podium. Reflecting on this, he stated, “If I could choose, I would like to become world champion mountain biker this year. I haven’t succeeded yet, and it keeps playing in the back of my mind.”

 

To achieve this goal, van der Poel plans to intensify his focus on mountain biking in 2025. He aims to participate in key events leading up to the World Championship, including the UCI Mountain Bike World Cup series, to refine his skills and build momentum. His dedication to this discipline is evident, as he has previously competed in mountain bike events despite his primary focus on road racing.

 

Olympic Ambitions for Los Angeles 2028

 

Looking ahead, van der Poel has expressed a strong desire to compete in the mountain bike event at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics. He views this as a potential capstone to his illustrious career, stating, “Then I’ll be nearing the end of my career and I’d like to get back on the mountain bike… That would be a great ending.”

 

His commitment to this goal is underscored by his decision to forgo the mountain bike event at the Paris 2024 Olympics, choosing instead to focus on the road race. This strategic choice allows him to concentrate on his immediate objectives while keeping the 2028 Olympics firmly in his sights.

 

Recent Achievements and Preparation

 

In the meantime, van der Poel continues to excel in his current disciplines. He recently secured his seventh Cyclo-cross World Championship title in Liévin, France, equaling the record held by Eric de Vlaeminck. This victory highlights his enduring dominance in cyclo-cross and his ability to perform at the highest level across various cycling formats.

 

As he prepares for the 2025 mountain bike season, van der Poel is focusing on specific training regimens to enhance his cross-country performance. He plans to participate in select mountain bike races to gain experience and build confidence ahead of the World Championship. His dedication to this discipline is evident, as he has previously competed in mountain bike events despite his primary focus on road racing.

 

Conclusion

 

Mathieu van der Poel’s ambitions for 2025 and 2028 reflect his unwavering commitment to excellence and his desire to leave a lasting legacy in the cycling world. By targeting the Mountain Bike World Championship and the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics, he aims to achieve milestones that have eluded him thus far, further solidifying his status as one of cycling’s most versatile and accomplished athletes.