Already looking forward to hit the trails again soon!” Mathieu van der Poel’s spirit not broken after failed MTB return

**”Already Looking Forward to Hit the Trails Again Soon!” – Mathieu van der Poel’s Spirit Not Broken After Failed MTB Return**

Mathieu van der Poel may not have made the triumphant mountain bike comeback he had envisioned, but the Dutch cycling superstar isn’t letting a disappointing result shake his confidence or love for the discipline. After a much-anticipated return to mountain biking ended without a podium finish, Van der Poel took to social media with a message that highlighted his unwavering determination and optimism.

“Already looking forward to hit the trails again soon!” Van der Poel wrote, signaling that his competitive fire is far from extinguished. While fans and pundits had high hopes for his return to the sport where he first made his name, the race didn’t go according to plan. Fatigue, mechanical issues, or simply the adjustment back to the rugged demands of MTB may have played a role, but Van der Poel’s focus is firmly on the future.

The Alpecin-Deceuninck rider had been juggling multiple disciplines — road racing, cyclocross, and mountain biking — with impressive, albeit taxing, versatility. His return to MTB was seen as a potential stepping stone toward Paris 2024, where he has ambitions of Olympic glory. While this initial effort may have fallen short, his statement reinforces that this is just the beginning of his renewed campaign on the trails.

Supporters were quick to flood his post with encouragement, reminding the reigning World Road Champion of his unmatched ability to bounce back. Many highlighted his previous comebacks and dominance across formats, expressing faith that his next MTB outing will be one to remember.

As Van der Poel regroups and refines his off-road form, the cycling world will be watching closely. If one thing’s certain, it’s that Mathieu’s love for racing — no matter the terrain — remains as strong as ever.