Mathieu van der Poel Withdraws from 2025 Tour de France After Pneumonia Diagnosis
In a dramatic turn of events at the 2025 Tour de France, Dutch superstar Mathieu van der Poel has been forced to abandon the race. The Alpecin–Deceuninck rider was diagnosed with pneumonia following days of cold-like symptoms that exacerbated during the second rest day. The team confirmed his withdrawal just before Stage 16, the high-altitude route to Mont Ventoux
Illness Escalates During the Second Rest Day
Van der Poel began experiencing mild symptoms resembling a common cold in the days leading up to the rest day. Team doctors monitored him closely, and by Monday evening, his condition deteriorated significantly. He developed a fever and was subsequently transported to the Centre Hospitalier de Narbonne where medical tests confirmed the presence of pneumoni
The severity of the diagnosis led Alpecin–Deceuninck’s medical staff to make the difficult decision: van der Poel could no longer continue in the Tour. “His health is the top priority,” the team stated, explaining that he will need at least one full week of rest, after which further evaluations will determine his path forward
A Superbly Active but Cut-Short Campaign
Despite the unfortunate ending, van der Poel’s Tour was marked by bold riding, early success, and aggressive tactics. His four key contributions included:
- Stage 2 victory in Boulogne‑sur‑Mer, launching him into the yellow jersey.
- Wearing yellow for multiple stages (Stages 3–5).
- A near-miss on Stage 9, where a late breakaway saw him caught just meters from the finish.
- A promising late attack on Stage 11, narrowly missing another stage win due in part to communication issues over race radio
By Stage 15, he had slipped to 62nd place overall, struggling with fatigue and illness. He was also third in the points classification, trailing behind Jonathan Milan and Tadej Pogačar
Emotional Fallout and Team Response
Their announcement clearly illustrated the emotional toll of the withdrawal. On social media, van der Poel shared through his Instagram: “This really hurts”, accompanied by a Whoop recovery score of just 1%—an unambiguous indicator of his depleted state
Team director Philip Roodhooft acknowledged the heartbreak but emphasized duty of care: “When it’s this clear, there’s no doubt about what needs to be done.” Teammate Emiel Verstrynge noted that while van der Poel joined the customary rest‑day “coffee ride,” missing dinner that evening signaled alarm within the camp
Consequences for Alpecin–Deceuninck and the Tour
The impact on Alpecin–Deceuninck has been significant. With Jasper Philipsen already out due to a broken collarbone earlier in the Tour, the team lost its two top contenders mid‑event. Despite this, Kaden Groves later secured a stage win, but the loss of van der Poel and Philipsen shook the team’s ambitions and stability
From a race perspective, van der Poel’s exit closes one of the Tour’s most unpredictable and exciting storylines. He brought flair, breakaway danger, and charisma—elements rivalled only by the likes of Pogacar and Vingegaard. His absence now deepens the contest for the green jersey and leaves a void in the peloton’s dynamic.
Road Ahead: Recovery and Racing Prospects
Medical guidance recommends at least one week of rest, followed by further evaluation to determine when he can safely resume training or racing
Van der Poel is currently targeting the Mountain Bike World Championships in Switzerland later this season. It remains uncertain whether this illness will delay or derail those plans entirely .
Considering his intense campaign earlier in 2025—with monumental wins at Milan‑San Remo and Paris‑Roubaix, along with the early Tour success—his abrupt Tour departure underscores just how fragile form can be amid illness and mid‑race risks
🧭 Summary
- Diagnosis: Van der Poel developed pneumonia after days of cold symptoms worsened during a rest day.
- Withdrawal: Announced just before Stage 16 to Mont Ventoux. He was 62nd overall, third in points classification.
- Rest: Minimum of one week followed by medical reassessment.
- Performance: Stage win, spells in yellow, aggressive breakaway riding—but illness disrupted later stages.
- Team impact: With Philipsen also out, Alpecin–Deceuninck lost its two headline stars mid‑Tour.
- Upcoming outlook: Recovery timeline may affect his appearance at the Mountain Bike World Championships.
Van der Poel’s withdrawal was a major disruption to the Tour’s unfolding drama. A rider of his versatility and aggression had added excitement to nearly every stage. While illness has prematurely ended this campaign, his team has made clear that recovery—and long-term health—must come before results. As cycling fans, we now watch and wish for a smooth return, hopeful that restorative rest will bring back one of the sport’s most captivating talents.
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