Mathieu van der Poel operado tras La Rioja Bike RaceMathieu van der Poel’s Return to Mountain Biking: A Quest for the Elusive World Championship
After a remarkable victory on the Champs-Élysées during the 2026 Tour de France, Mathieu van der Poel is shifting his focus back to mountain biking, aiming to secure the world championship title that has long eluded him.
A Passion Rekindled
Van der Poel’s return to mountain biking is driven by a deep-seated passion for the sport. He expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “I enjoy the atmosphere. I have fun on the mountain bike, and becoming world champion in this discipline is a real goal for me.” His ambition is clear: to become the first rider to hold world titles in road racing, cyclo-cross, and mountain biking.
Strategic Preparation
Balancing road and mountain biking has been a challenge for Van der Poel. He acknowledged the difficulties, noting, “It’s something different. Not only the technique but also the training. And it’s not easy. But this time, I’ve dedicated more time to mountain biking.” His preparation included two weeks in Livigno, focusing almost exclusively on mountain biking, which he believes has made a significant difference.
Upcoming Challenges
Looking ahead, Van der Poel has set his sights on the UCI Mountain Bike World Championships in Val di Sole, Italy. He is determined to secure the elusive rainbow jersey, stating, “Clearly, I want to win. I would like to become world champion in mountain biking.” With the World Cup event in Les Gets serving as a crucial warm-up, he is poised to face formidable competitors, including Tom Pidcock, the 2024 Olympic and world MTB champion. (cyclingnews.com)
A Legacy in the Making
Van der Poel’s journey is a testament to his versatility and determination. His pursuit of the mountain bike world championship adds another exciting chapter to his illustrious career, promising thrilling races and inspiring fans worldwide.
Highlights:
- Mathieu van der Poel and Tom Pidcock to go head to head in mountain biking for first time since 2023 in Worlds warm-up, Published on Wednesday, August 19
- ‘A year I was thinking about this’ – Mathieu van der Poel moves from pneumonia-spoiled run to Tour de France Paris stage dream, Published on Sunday, July 26
- ‘It’s something you wouldn’t even write in a story book’ – Tadej Pogačar wins Tour de France while Mathieu van der Poel takes a breathtaking final stage, Published on Sunday, July 26