Mathieu van der Poel’s miraculous recovery continues. The Dutchman suffered an injury on his return to mountain bike racing. But not even week has passed and despite fracturing his wrist, Van der Poel is already training on the bike.
The Alpecin-Deceuninck star competed in a MTB World Cup in Nove Mesto last Saturday, thinking it would his first step towards completing his collection of rainbow jerseys. However, he suffered two crashes, and ended up in hospital.
Only 24 hours after being diagnosed with the wrist injury, Van der Poel has already started training on the stationary bike, splint included.
And 5 days later he has been seen outdoors training in Spain, without the brace. Van der Poel was photographed by a cyclist on Spanish roads in the company of Jordi Meeus and Danny van Poppel (Red Bull – BORA – hansgrohe).
Mathieu van der Poel’s goal is to be fit for the Tour de France starting in just a little bit over month from now. The doctors said that his participation was very well possible, but that he would be substancially affected by this injury. However, their calculations forgot to put into equation that we’re dealing with a superhuman to whom norms do not apply.
For Van der Poel, the main goal at the Grande Boucle will be to help Jasper Philipsen regain the throne in the Points Classification.
Last year, the Belgian was unable to defend the title he won in 2023, when Biniam Girmay made history by proclaiming himself the winner. But for the 2025 edition, Alpecin wants everything to go back to normal.
In addition, Mathieu van der Poel is also expected to compete for his own objectives, looking for at least one or two stage victories that will continue to add to a record dominated by one-day races.
