“Mathieu van der Poel Shifts Focus to Mountain Biking Ahead of World Title Bid”

“Mathieu van der Poel Shifts Focus to Mountain Biking Ahead of World Title Bid”

Cycling superstar Mathieu van der Poel is once again demonstrating why he is regarded as one of the most versatile and compelling athletes in modern sport. After an eventful summer that included both triumphs and setbacks on the road, the Dutchman is now turning his full attention to the trails, setting his sights on the UCI Mountain Bike World Championships in Crans-Montana on September 14.

The transition comes at a critical point in his season. Van der Poel recently completed the Renewi Tour, using it as a springboard to regain sharpness following his recovery from a pneumonia-related setback that hindered his Tour de France campaign. While his road results in July were disrupted by illness, the reigning world road champion showed resilience and form in the Renewi Tour, calling the event “exactly what I needed” as he shifts disciplines once again.

Back to the Dirt

For van der Poel, switching between road, cyclocross, and mountain biking is nothing new. He has long embraced the challenge of excelling across multiple disciplines, often within the same season. His return to mountain biking, however, carries particular weight in 2025. The World Championships in Switzerland offer a chance for him to add yet another prestigious rainbow jersey to his glittering résumé.

Preparation for the event begins in earnest with the MTB World Series race in Les Gets, France. Van der Poel will use the competition as a high-intensity rehearsal, testing his technical handling and endurance against the world’s elite. His starting position, however, presents a challenge: due to limited UCI mountain bike points, he will line up on the fourth row, forcing him to battle through traffic if he hopes to contend for victory.

Still, the Dutchman is undeterred. “The start position isn’t ideal,” he admitted, “but I know where my form is and I trust my ability to make up ground. It’s all about building toward Crans-Montana.”

Fitness and Form

Observers note that van der Poel appears to be rediscovering his top condition after illness disrupted his mid-summer plans. The Renewi Tour provided a platform to prove his endurance, and the sight of him riding aggressively in the classics-style stages reassured fans that his explosive power remains intact. His recovery was further underscored by a surprising sight: just 3.5 hours after completing the final stage, van der Poel was spotted on a golf course, suggesting his energy and competitive drive are as strong as ever.

That competitive spirit, often bordering on relentless, has defined his career. Whether sprinting to victory on cobbled classics, dominating in cyclocross, or now preparing for mountain bike glory, van der Poel’s mentality is one of constant challenge and reinvention.

A Long-Term Vision

Part of what makes van der Poel unique is his refusal to be confined to a single cycling discipline. While many riders specialize exclusively in road racing or off-road events, he has consistently pursued success across them all. His contract with Alpecin-Deceuninck runs through 2028, and insiders suggest the team fully supports his multi-pronged ambitions, even if it means occasional schedule compromises.

This long-term vision underlines his desire not just to compete but to make history. Already a multiple-time cyclocross world champion, a road world champion, and an Olympic medal contender, van der Poel views mountain biking as both a passion and an unfinished chapter. Winning in Crans-Montana would solidify his reputation as one of the most complete cyclists of his generation.

Eyes on Crans-Montana

The World Championships course in Crans-Montana is expected to be a stern test. With steep climbs, technical descents, and high-altitude conditions, it will demand both physical strength and tactical brilliance. Rivals such as Tom Pidcock and Nino Schurter are likely to provide fierce competition, but van der Poel’s adaptability and raw power make him a formidable threat.

Success in Switzerland would also have symbolic meaning. Coming off a disrupted summer and the disappointment of illness during the Tour de France, a rainbow jersey in mountain biking would reaffirm his resilience and ability to bounce back from adversity. It would also mark another milestone in a career defined by breaking boundaries and rewriting expectations.

The Competitive Fire Burns On

Even as he diversifies his sporting pursuits—whether racing bikes or swinging golf clubs—van der Poel’s hunger for victory is constant. Friends and teammates describe him as someone who thrives on competition in all its forms, always searching for the next challenge. That drive now converges on Crans-Montana, where the stakes could not be higher.

As September approaches, one thing is clear: Mathieu van der Poel is not content to rest on past achievements. His focus, energy, and ambition are firmly locked on conquering yet another world stage—this time on the rugged trails of the Swiss Alps.

If history is any guide, betting against him would be unwise.