Mathieu van der Poel the Latest Rider to Quit Tour de France 2025: Another Star Bows Out of Brutal Edition
In yet another seismic development shaking the foundations of the 2025 Tour de France, Dutch cycling star Mathieu van der Poel has become the latest high-profile rider to abandon the race. His withdrawal, confirmed by his team Alpecin–Deceuninck on Thursday morning ahead of Stage 13, is the culmination of days of speculation about his worsening condition. Diagnosed with pneumonia, the 30-year-old cyclist will return home to recover, bringing his 2025 Tour to an abrupt end.
Van der Poel’s exit marks one of the most notable retirements in what has proven to be a physically punishing edition of the Tour. As attrition mounts, the sport continues to grapple with the toll Grand Tours extract from even its most elite athletes. The Dutchman joins an expanding list of stars who have failed to reach the final week, prompting broader concerns about the toll of modern racing schedules and the demanding course layouts.
A Champion Silenced by Illness
Mathieu van der Poel’s departure came as little surprise to those following the race closely. Since the second rest day, the Dutchman had been visibly struggling to maintain pace, often lagging behind the peloton on stages where he would normally shine. His signature explosive sprints, aggressive breakaway moves, and tactical flair were noticeably absent. Instead, he was riding with visible discomfort, coughing and gasping for breath at times during the mountain stages.
Team Alpecin–Deceuninck issued an official statement on Thursday morning:
“After ongoing respiratory symptoms and poor physical response in recent stages, further medical tests confirmed Mathieu is suffering from pneumonia. Out of concern for his long-term health, the decision was made that he will not start Stage 13. He will return home immediately for further evaluation and recovery.”
Van der Poel later took to social media to address his fans:
“Gutted to leave the Tour like this. I gave everything to be here and tried to fight through it, but health comes first. Thank you for all your support — I’ll be back.”
Not Just a Casualty — A Headliner
This is not just any rider leaving the Tour. Van der Poel is a marquee name — one of the few cyclists whose reputation crosses borders and disciplines. Known for his dominance across cyclocross, mountain biking, and road racing, the Dutchman has been a transformative figure in the sport. His thrilling attacks, fearless descents, and race-day charisma have earned him fans across the globe.
He arrived at the 2025 Tour de France with high expectations. Though not contending for the yellow jersey, van der Poel was considered a prime candidate for multiple stage wins and had his eye on the green jersey. His presence animated the race, forcing rival teams to alter strategies whenever he joined a breakaway.
His withdrawal removes one of the race’s most creative and unpredictable forces — a true artist on two wheels.
A Widening List of Retirements
Van der Poel’s withdrawal continues an alarming trend in this year’s race. The 2025 Tour has seen a higher-than-usual rate of attrition due to illness, injury, and fatigue. In just 12 stages, over 25 riders have already dropped out — including former Tour winner Tadej Pogačar, sprinter Caleb Ewan, and key domestiques from several GC teams.
Multiple factors have been cited: scorching early-stage temperatures, a grueling first week filled with crashes, and the general intensity of modern racing. The Tour de France, already the most physically demanding race in cycling, has reached a point where the pressure on riders — physical, mental, and tactical — is unrelenting.
The cumulative effect has raised questions within the sport: Are riders being asked to do too much?
How the Race Will Change Without Him
While van der Poel was not part of the general classification (GC) battle, his impact on the race was undeniable. In stages suited for punchy classics-style finishes or long breakaways, he was often the wildcard that shook up the script. His stage win on Day 3 and aggressive riding on the cobbled sectors of Stage 5 were already among the race’s early highlights.
Now, his absence will significantly affect how flat and rolling stages play out. The green jersey competition may open up for others like Jasper Philipsen or Mads Pedersen. Alpecin–Deceuninck, who built much of their Tour squad around van der Poel’s talents, will be forced to reset their ambitions entirely.
Health First – Looking Ahead
Pneumonia is no minor ailment for an elite endurance athlete. Depending on severity, recovery can take weeks to months. For a cyclist who relies on intense cardiovascular performance, rushing back too soon could have long-term consequences.
Van der Poel is expected to skip several of his upcoming schedule commitments, including post-Tour criteriums and the Vuelta a España. Whether he will be ready for the UCI Road World Championships in Kigali later this year is now in serious doubt.
Team doctors have emphasized the need for rest, and fans will hope that the same resilience that has defined his career will now power his recovery.
Fan and Rider Reactions
Reaction from the cycling world has been swift and emotional. Teammates, rivals, and fans expressed their disappointment but also sent messages of support.
- Wout van Aert, a frequent rival, tweeted: “Never good to see a champion like Mathieu have to leave the race this way. Wishing him a speedy and full recovery.”
- Julian Alaphilippe, also battling illness during the race, said, “We’ve all been feeling the heat this Tour. Mathieu leaving is a big loss for the race and for the fans.”
- Online, the hashtag #MvDP trended in cycling circles with fans sharing favorite moments and wishing him well.
Conclusion
Mathieu van der Poel’s early exit from the 2025 Tour de France serves as a sobering reminder that even the most gifted athletes are vulnerable to the tolls of the sport. His absence leaves a void not just on the roads of France, but in the hearts of fans who tuned in hoping to witness one of cycling’s great entertainers.
Though this year’s Tour will continue without him, van der Poel’s legacy remains untarnished — if anything, his courageous attempt to push through illness only adds to the legend. As the race presses on toward Paris, the peloton rides without one of its brightest stars, and the world of cycling holds its breath for his recovery and eventual return.