OFFICIAL: Mathieu van der Poel to debut at the Criterium du Dauphine in prep for 2025 Tour de France

OFFICIAL: Mathieu van der Poel to debut at the Criterium du Dauphine in prep for 2025 Tour de France

**OFFICIAL: Mathieu van der Poel to Make Criterium du Dauphiné Debut Ahead of 2025 Tour de France**

In a significant move that underlines his ambitions for the 2025 Tour de France, Mathieu van der Poel has confirmed he will make his debut at the Critérium du Dauphiné, marking his first appearance at the prestigious French stage race. The decision comes as part of Alpecin-Deceuninck’s refined Tour preparation strategy, signaling a clear shift toward deeper GC involvement or a more structured build-up for stage wins and support roles.

Van der Poel, known for his explosive classics performances and dominance in one-day races, is entering new territory by opting to compete in one of the Tour’s key preparatory races. Traditionally seen as a testing ground for general classification contenders, the Dauphiné will provide the Dutch superstar with valuable race rhythm, altitude exposure, and a deeper insight into the high-mountain stages he’ll face in July.

Speaking ahead of the race, van der Poel expressed both excitement and curiosity about the challenge: “It’s not a race I’ve targeted before, but the team and I felt this year was the right time to try something different. It’s part of a broader goal to arrive at the Tour with a stronger foundation—physically and mentally.”

Alpecin-Deceuninck officials have remained tight-lipped about van der Poel’s exact role in the Tour, but his inclusion in the Dauphiné roster suggests a heightened level of preparation compared to previous seasons, where his approach was more selective and based on punchy terrain rather than mountainous stage racing.

Van der Poel is expected to use the Dauphiné to fine-tune his form, possibly eyeing one of the race’s medium mountain or sprint-friendly stages, while gaining vital experience in longer, back-to-back racing conditions. His presence will also add significant star power to an already-stacked start list featuring the likes of Primož Roglič, Remco Evenepoel, and Egan Bernal.

As the 2025 Tour de France looms, van der Poel’s participation in the Dauphiné could be the clearest sign yet that he’s not just targeting stage victories—but perhaps aiming to shape the race in even bigger ways.