SAD NEWS: Mathieu van der Poel out of Tour de France after being diagnosed of terrible Disease

 

 

 

SAD NEWS: Mathieu van der Poel Out of Tour de France After Being Diagnosed with Terrible Disease

In a heartbreaking turn of events, Dutch cycling sensation Mathieu van der Poel has been forced to withdraw from the 2025 Tour de France after being diagnosed with Pneumonia. The news, which broke early this morning, has sent shockwaves throughout the global cycling community and beyond, as fans and fellow athletes struggle to come to terms with the sudden and devastating development.

Van der Poel, a five-time cyclo-cross world champion and a multiple-stage winner in the Tour de France, had been one of the top contenders for this year’s yellow jersey. With his trademark explosiveness, fearless attacking style, and unmatched versatility across terrains, the 30-year-old Alpecin–Deceuninck rider was widely considered one of the most exciting athletes in the sport today. His abrupt withdrawal marks not just a personal setback, but a significant loss for the entire Tour.

 

A Shocking Diagnosis

According to a statement released by Van der Poel’s team, the Dutch rider began experiencing unusual fatigue and persistent discomfort following Stage 8 of the Tour. Initially believed to be a viral infection or exhaustion from intense back-to-back stages, further medical examination revealed a much more serious condition — one that, out of respect for Van der Poel’s privacy, the team has chosen not to disclose in full detail at this time.

The team’s medical director confirmed that Van der Poel has been advised to immediately suspend all high-performance activities and undergo treatment and rest. “Mathieu’s health is our top priority,” the statement read. “While this is deeply disappointing, especially in the middle of such a prestigious race, his long-term well-being matters most. We are rallying around him with full support.”

Sources close to the team suggest that Van der Poel is being monitored at a specialized medical facility in France, where doctors are conducting additional tests and preparing a treatment plan.

A Devastated Champion

Van der Poel himself took to social media to address his fans in a somber post:

“This is the hardest message I’ve ever had to share. I’ve been diagnosed with a condition that makes it impossible for me to continue the Tour, and I must now focus on recovery. I want to thank my teammates, staff, and all the incredible fans around the world who have supported me every step of the way. I’ll be back. But for now, I need to rest and heal.”

The message, posted on Instagram and Twitter, was accompanied by a black-and-white image of the cyclist sitting alone in a team van, helmet in hand, looking out the window.

Within minutes, the post was flooded with tens of thousands of comments and well wishes, including responses from fellow cyclists, sports legends, and celebrities, all offering encouragement and support.

Reaction From the Cycling World

The Tour de France community reacted with a mix of shock and sadness. Tadej Pogačar, one of Van der Poel’s chief rivals and a two-time Tour winner, said in a post-race interview, “Mathieu is one of the toughest and most talented riders I’ve ever competed against. This is devastating. I hope he recovers quickly and comes back stronger.”

UCI president David Lappartient also released a statement expressing sympathy:

“Mathieu van der Poel represents the spirit of cycling — courageous, resilient, and inspiring. We are deeply saddened by this news and send him strength during this difficult time.”

Team Jumbo–Visma’s Jonas Vingegaard, another top GC contender, added, “He’s more than just a competitor — he’s a friend. The peloton won’t be the same without him.”

 

The Tour Without Van der Poel

With Van der Poel’s exit, the complexion of the Tour has changed dramatically. His presence on the cobbles, punchy climbs, and sprint finishes always added unpredictability and flair to the race. His aggressive breakaways and solo attacks were a fan favorite, and his absence will undoubtedly be felt in the upcoming mountain stages.

Sports analysts have already begun speculating on how his departure will affect the strategies of other teams, especially in transitional stages where Van der Poel often dominated. For Alpecin–Deceuninck, the loss of their star rider is a massive blow, though the team has vowed to continue fighting in his honor.

A Storied Career Momentarily Paused

Mathieu van der Poel’s career has been nothing short of extraordinary. A member of cycling royalty — grandson of Raymond Poulidor and son of Adri van der Poel — Mathieu has made his own name through jaw-dropping victories in cyclo-cross, mountain biking, and road racing. His triumph in the 2021 Tour de France, where he wore the yellow jersey for six days after a legendary win on Stage 2, cemented his place in modern cycling history.

In the past two years, Van der Poel has added multiple Monument wins and World Championship podiums to his résumé, further proving his rare versatility. His style — a mix of raw power, daring instincts, and technical finesse — has captivated fans worldwide.

For many, this diagnosis feels like an abrupt and unfair halt to a brilliant season. But those who know Van der Poel believe that this is just a temporary setback.

Hope for the Future

Though the nature of his illness remains private, team officials have made it clear that Van der Poel’s condition is treatable, and there is hope for a full recovery. His fans, sponsors, and fellow athletes are all rooting for his return.

As cycling continues on without one of its brightest stars, the entire sporting world holds its breath — not just for the race ahead, but for the health and recovery of a champion who gave so much of himself to the sport.

Van der Poel’s final words in his message perhaps said it best:

“This is not the end. It’s just another climb. And I’ve never backed down from a mountain.”

Our thoughts are with Mathieu van der Poel and his family during this challenging time.