SAD NEWS: Alpecin–Deceuninck Star Mathieu van der Poel To Undergo Surgery Following Injury

 

SAD NEWS: Cycling Superstar Mathieu van der Poel To Undergo Surgery Following Injury Setback

In a major setback just as the cycling world was gearing up for the final stretch of the 2025 UCI WorldTour season, Dutch cycling sensation Mathieu van der Poel has been ruled out of competition due to an injury that will require surgery. The Alpecin–Deceuninck star, known for his explosive riding style and versatility across road, cyclocross, and mountain biking, suffered a concerning physical issue during training last week. After medical evaluation, the team has confirmed that van der Poel will undergo surgery later this week, effectively sidelining him for an extended period.

 

The injury, which was initially believed to be a minor strain, turned out to be more severe than anticipated. Team doctors revealed that van der Poel sustained a torn ligament in his right knee while descending during a high-intensity endurance training session in the French Alps. “At first, we hoped rest and rehabilitation would be enough,” said Alpecin–Deceuninck team director Christoph Roodhooft. “But following scans and a thorough medical evaluation, surgery is now the only viable path forward.”

The news comes as a blow not just to the team, but to cycling fans around the world. Van der Poel, 30, has been one of the most dominant and entertaining riders of his generation. His 2025 season was shaping up to be historic, with victories in Strade Bianche, Tour of Flanders, and a thrilling third-place finish in the Giro d’Italia earlier this year. He was also heavily favored to defend his World Road Race Championship title this fall. Now, all eyes shift from potential victories to the timeline of his recovery.

Van der Poel released a personal statement through his social media accounts shortly after the news broke. “This isn’t how I wanted my season to go,” he wrote. “I’ve faced injuries before, and each time I’ve come back stronger. This will be no different. Thank you to everyone for the support—I’ll be back on the bike as soon as I can.” The post was met with an outpouring of encouragement from fans, fellow riders, and cycling legends, many of whom acknowledged van der Poel’s warrior-like spirit and resilience.

Medical experts estimate that the typical recovery time for a torn ligament requiring surgery can range from 3 to 6 months, depending on the severity of the tear and the rehabilitation process. This means van der Poel is likely to miss the remainder of the 2025 season, including the World Championships and possibly the start of the 2026 spring classics. However, his camp remains optimistic. “Mathieu is in incredible physical shape outside of this injury,” said team physiotherapist Dr. Lars Verhoeven. “His recovery outlook is strong. With his determination, he could even beat the average timeline.”

Van der Poel’s absence will leave a noticeable void in upcoming races, particularly in high-profile one-day classics and WorldTour stages where his presence almost guarantees fireworks. His rivalry with Wout van Aert and Tadej Pogačar has defined much of this era in cycling, and many fans were anticipating several more epic duels before season’s end. Without him, the competitive landscape shifts significantly, opening the door for new challengers to seize the spotlight.

 

 

Alpecin–Deceuninck is now expected to rely more heavily on riders like Jasper Philipsen and Soren Kragh Andersen in upcoming events. While the team remains confident in its depth, there is no denying the impact van der Poel’s absence will have, especially in technical and high-stakes races where his unique skill set often makes the difference.

Cycling commentators have already begun speculating on what this could mean for van der Poel’s legacy. While many agree that his resume is already Hall-of-Fame worthy—with multiple Monument wins, World Championships, and Olympic appearances—there’s still a hunger to see him accomplish more in Grand Tours. “This is a pause, not an end,” said former pro and current analyst Fabian Cancellara. “Mathieu’s style is irreplaceable. He’ll return, and when he does, he’ll be even more dangerous.”

For now, van der Poel will focus on surgery and rehabilitation, with updates expected in the coming weeks as his recovery begins. Fans, teammates, and rivals alike will be watching closely, sending support, and awaiting the return of one of cycling’s most electrifying athletes.