Dutch Champion’s 2025 Season Hits Roadblock Following Spring Classics Dominance
Czechia – Dutch cycling star Mathieu van der Poel has suffered a fractured wrist after a pair of crashes during the UCI Mountain Bike World Cup race in Nove Mesto, raising serious concerns over his participation in the upcoming Tour de France.
The injury comes on the heels of what had been a dominant road cycling season for the Alpecin-Deceuninck rider, including victories at Milan-San Remo, E3 Saxo Classic, Le Samyn, and a historic third consecutive win at Paris-Roubai
Van der Poel’s return to mountain biking — part of his broader strategy to prepare for the 2025 Olympic season — ended abruptly on Sunday after he crashed twice during the elite men’s cross-country race. He was forced to abandon the event and underwent immediate medical evaluation.
Later diagnosis confirmed a scaphoid fracture in his wrist, an injury that often requires weeks of recovery. The setback has cast a shadow over his scheduled participation in both the Critérium du Dauphiné and the Tour de France, set to begin in late June.
Speaking to media, Van der Poel’s team doctors offered cautious optimism.
“That should not be a problem,” one medical representative said. “It’s a small fracture and with controlled training, we’re hopeful he’ll be race-ready.”
Despite the injury, the 29-year-old was back in training just two days later, indicating his determination to remain on track for his summer goal
Before his recent setback, Van der Poel had been enjoying one of the most successful spring campaigns of his career:
- 🥇 Milan-San Remo: Out-sprinted rivals Tadej Pogačar and Filippo Ganna
- 🥇 E3 Saxo Classic: Another decisive performance
- 🥇 Le Samyn: Continued his winning momentum
- 🥇 Paris-Roubaix: Made history with a solo win and third consecutive title
His form had placed him as one of the top contenders not only for the Tour de France but also for the UCI Road World Championships and Olympic qualification events later this year.
Van der Poel’s presence at the Critérium du Dauphiné, a crucial Tour de France warm-up race, is still under review. Should he be deemed fit, it would mark his first competitive appearance since the injury.
The cycling world will be watching closely to see how quickly he can recover and whether he can still mount a serious challenge in France this July.
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