Mathieu van der Poel Withdraws from Planned Race After Crash Injury: Concerns Grow Ahead of Key Season Goals
Mathieu van der Poel, the reigning UCI Road World Champion and one of the most electrifying figures in modern cycling, has been forced to withdraw from an upcoming race following a crash that resulted in injury during training. The announcement, made by his team Alpecin–Deceuninck early Monday morning, has cast a shadow over the star rider’s late-season plans and left fans worldwide concerned about the implications for his form and fitness.
The Crash That Changed Plans
According to a statement released by the team, van der Poel sustained the injury during a high-intensity training session last weekend in the Belgian Ardennes. While initial fears of a fracture were ruled out, the crash reportedly left the Dutchman with significant bruising, abrasions, and muscular trauma to his right hip and lower back, making it unwise for him to participate in his next scheduled race—the Bretagne Classic – Ouest-France, a UCI WorldTour event he was favored to win.
“Mathieu had a heavy fall during training. Thankfully, no bones were broken, but he’s experiencing a lot of discomfort and restricted mobility,” the statement read. “In consultation with our medical team and coaching staff, the decision was made to prioritize recovery and withdraw from the upcoming race. His long-term health remains the priority.”
This marks the first major setback of the 2025 cycling season for van der Poel, who had otherwise been enjoying a strong year. Earlier in the season, he dazzled fans with victories in the Tour of Flanders and Strade Bianche, while also wearing the rainbow jersey with pride and consistency. His aggressive racing style and all-terrain versatility have made him one of the most watched—and feared—figures in the peloton.
Concerns Over Season Preparation
While team doctors have confirmed that the injury is not season-ending, van der Poel’s absence from competition is not without consequences. The Bretagne Classic was intended to serve as a key preparation race for the World Championships in September and the UCI Gravel World Championships later in the autumn. Missing the event disrupts his build-up and forces his coaching team to reassess how to manage form and fitness in the coming weeks.
Speaking to Dutch media, Alpecin–Deceuninck sports director Christoph Roodhooft said:
“This is not a disaster, but it is unfortunate. We had carefully planned this part of Mathieu’s schedule to peak again in September. Now, we have to be cautious and see how his body responds over the next 7 to 10 days.”
Van der Poel has yet to comment publicly on the incident, but those close to him describe him as “frustrated but focused.” Known for his mental toughness and no-nonsense approach to adversity, van der Poel is no stranger to injuries or comebacks. In 2021, he famously rode through a back injury at the Tokyo Olympics before taking time off to fully recover, only to return stronger in subsequent seasons.
Fan Support and Community Reaction
News of the crash spread rapidly across social media, with fans and fellow professionals expressing support and wishing van der Poel a speedy recovery. Belgian rival Wout van Aert, currently also recovering from a separate injury, tweeted,
“Get well soon Mathieu. Hoping to see you back on the bike and racing soon. The roads are always more exciting with you in the peloton.”
Prominent cycling analysts have noted that while the injury is a setback, van der Poel’s base level of fitness is so high that a short layoff is unlikely to derail his entire season—provided there are no complications. Still, the risk of rushing back too quickly has been cautioned against, especially with high-stakes events on the horizon.
Looking Ahead
As of now, van der Poel’s next confirmed race remains uncertain. The team has stated that they will reassess his condition at the end of the week and decide whether he can participate in the Grand Prix de Québec and Grand Prix de Montréal in mid-September, which would serve as his final tune-ups before the World Championships.
Regardless of when he returns, the cycling world will be watching closely. Van der Poel is not just a race winner—he is a showman, a competitor who elevates the sport every time he lines up at the start. His absence from even a single race is felt throughout the peloton and among fans, but his health remains paramount.
In a sport where crashes and comebacks are part of the narrative, few write their stories with more drama and brilliance than Mathieu van der Poel. And while this chapter may be one of recovery and reflection, it’s safe to say the best is still to come.
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