HEIDELBERG, Germany — Fresh off a dominant spring season on the road, Dutch cycling star Mathieu van der Poel is poised to return to mountain biking next month, marking a potential shift in focus ahead of a packed summer racing schedule.
Van der Poel recently wrapped up a standout campaign, capturing his third straight Paris-Roubaix title, as well as victories at the E3 Saxo Classic and Milano-Sanremo. Earlier in the year, he also made history in cyclocross by securing a record-equalling seventh world title, reinforcing his status as one of the sport’s most versatile athletes.
With no road races on his calendar until the Tour de France in July, van der Poel appears ready to explore new terrain.
Organizers of Bike the Rock, a prominent mountain bike event in Germany, announced that the 30-year-old is expected to compete in the race, calling it a “long-awaited comeback.”
While his team, Alpecin-Deceuninck, has yet to confirm his participation, the news aligns with recent speculation surrounding van der Poel’s renewed interest in mountain biking. The event is scheduled for May 18 and is part of the MTB Bundesliga series, though it is not included in the UCI Mountain Bike World Cup calendar.
The possibility of van der Poel lining up has already sparked excitement within the mountain biking community. The race is anticipated to draw a strong field, especially with such a high-profile name potentially joining the start line.
Van der Poel’s return to the discipline is seen as a strategic step toward a larger goal. Although he holds world titles in cyclocross and gravel, and has worn the rainbow jersey in road racing, he has openly acknowledged that a mountain biking world championship title remains a key gap in his resume.
He last competed in a mountain bike race in 2023, and this year, he has decided not to defend his road world title, instead focusing on his buildup to the Mountain Bike World Championships in Switzerland this September, following his participation in the Tour de France.
As van der Poel transitions between disciplines, his quest for the elusive mountain bike world title promises to be one of the most closely watched storylines in cycling this year.