Critérium du Dauphiné ‘exactly what I needed for the Tour de France’ says Mathieu van der Poel

Critérium du Dauphiné ‘exactly what I needed for the Tour de France’ says Mathieu van der Poel

Fresh off his performance at the Critérium du Dauphiné, Mathieu van der Poel has declared the prestigious week-long race as “exactly what I needed” ahead of his highly anticipated campaign at the 2025 Tour de France.

The Dutch all-rounder, riding for Alpecin-Deceuninck, used the Dauphiné to fine-tune his form and tactics in a race known for its demanding terrain and elite competition. Though not chasing the general classification, van der Poel animated several stages, showing strong form in breakaways and testing himself on key climbs and technical descents.

“This week was about rhythm, about being in the race mindset again,” van der Poel said. “The Dauphiné has always been a great indicator of where you are physically and mentally. I feel like I’m exactly where I need to be.”

With eyes firmly set on a stage win—and possibly more—at the Tour de France, van der Poel emphasized the importance of race intensity and adapting to the unpredictable nature of Grand Tour racing.

“You can train as hard as you like, but nothing replicates the feel of real racing,” he added. “Now it’s all about recovery, sharpening the details, and hitting peak form for July.”

Van der Poel is expected to play a key role for Alpecin-Deceuninck not just in sprints and classics-style stages, but potentially as a disruptive force across the race’s varied terrain. His fans—and rivals—will be watching closely when the Tour begins in Florence.