“Could It Be True?”: Mathieu van der Poel Reportedly Considering Retirement After Withdrawing from Tour de France 2025 Due to Pneumonia
In a stunning turn of events that has sent shockwaves through the cycling world, Dutch cycling superstar Mathieu van der Poel is reportedly considering retirement following his sudden withdrawal from the 2025 Tour de France. The 30-year-old Alpecin–Deceuninck rider pulled out just ahead of Stage 16, citing a serious case of pneumonia that had worsened over the previous few days.
Though van der Poel has not made any official public statements regarding the end of his career, whispers from within his team and Dutch cycling media have raised a provocative question: “Could it be true?” Is one of the sport’s most electrifying and versatile athletes preparing to hang up his cleats?
A Sudden and Alarming Exit
The first signs of van der Poel’s health issues emerged during Stage 14, when he was seen struggling on the climbs and finishing well behind the leaders. Alpecin–Deceuninck initially described his condition as a “mild cold,” but by the morning of Stage 16, it had become clear that something far more serious was affecting the Dutchman.
Shortly after the team announced his withdrawal, Cyclingnews confirmed that van der Poel had been diagnosed with pneumonia and would require at least a week of complete rest, followed by careful monitoring of his lung function.
“Mathieu has been feeling unwell for several days,” said an Alpecin team spokesperson. “After further medical examination, it was determined that continuing to race would jeopardize his health. He’s receiving treatment and resting now.”
The news came as a shock to fans and competitors alike. Van der Poel entered the 2025 Tour not as a General Classification contender but as a key protagonist in several stages, especially punchy finishes and breakaway battles. His presence always elevated the drama — and his absence left a noticeable void in the peloton.
Speculation Swirls Around Retirement
While a bout of pneumonia alone would not usually signal the end of a career, reports from Dutch outlet De Telegraaf suggest van der Poel has been privately reflecting on his future for months — even before this health setback. The illness, insiders say, may be the tipping point in a decision he’s long contemplated.
“He’s given so much to this sport. The body can only take so much, and Mathieu has never been one to do things halfway,” an anonymous source close to the team told De Telegraaf.
Indeed, van der Poel has raced an astonishingly diverse schedule throughout his career — juggling cyclo-cross, road racing, and mountain biking with a level of excellence rarely seen in modern cycling. His 2023 UCI World Road Championship victory, his unforgettable Tour de France stage wins, and his dominance in classics like Paris–Roubaix and Strade Bianche have cemented his legacy.
But the heavy schedule, the constant switching between disciplines, and the relentless demands of professional cycling have taken a toll. After over a decade of pushing his physical and mental limits, many wonder whether van der Poel is preparing to write his final chapter.
Legacy Already Secured
If van der Poel does retire — whether later this year or next — he will do so as one of the most accomplished and beloved riders of his generation. He boasts victories in Monument Classics, World Championships, Grand Tour stages, and cyclo-cross World Titles. His dynamic, all-or-nothing riding style earned him fans worldwide and drew comparisons to greats like Peter Sagan and even Eddy Merckx.
What makes the prospect of his departure even more poignant is how sudden and unfinished it feels. Van der Poel had spoken earlier this season of targeting a gold medal at the 2028 Olympics and competing in one final Mountain Bike World Cup circuit. His battle with pneumonia may not only derail those ambitions but cause him to reevaluate whether his body can handle such long-term goals.
“He’s always raced with freedom, joy, and creativity,” said former teammate Tim Merlier. “But that comes at a cost. If he walks away, it’ll be because he’s given everything.”
No Final Word — Yet
As of now, van der Poel remains under medical supervision and has not issued any statement confirming or denying retirement. His team says the current focus is on recovery, not racing plans.
“Let’s not get ahead of ourselves,” said Alpecin–Deceuninck’s sports director. “Right now, we’re focused on getting Mathieu healthy. That’s the only priority.”
Still, the murmurs persist. Could one of cycling’s brightest lights be preparing to ride off into the sunset? Could pneumonia and the grind of elite competition finally silence one of the sport’s most joyful and unpredictable figures?
Cycling fans everywhere are asking: Could it be true?
If this truly is the beginning of the end for Mathieu van der Poel’s legendary career, then it marks the close of an era defined by courage, risk-taking, and brilliance on two wheels — and leaves a void that may never quite be filled.
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