CONFIRMED: Mathieu van der Poel to Depart Team Alpecin–Deceuninck After 2025 Season
Cycling fans around the globe were met with a major shake-up in the professional peloton today as it was officially confirmed that Dutch superstar Mathieu van der Poel will leave Team Alpecin–Deceuninck at the end of the 2025 season. The announcement, which had been the subject of speculation for months, marks the end of an era for one of cycling’s most electrifying figures and the team that helped elevate him to global stardom.
Van der Poel, who has been with the Alpecin–Deceuninck outfit (formerly known as Corendon-Circus and Alpecin-Fenix) since the early days of his professional road career, is widely credited with transforming the team from a second-tier Continental squad into a major force on the WorldTour stage. With victories at Monument Classics including Milan–San Remo, Paris–Roubaix, and the Tour of Flanders, as well as multiple cyclo-cross world championships and stage wins in the Tour de France, van der Poel has brought both results and unparalleled visibility to the team.
In a joint statement released by van der Poel and team management, the decision was described as “mutual and forward-looking,” with both parties acknowledging the need for new challenges and fresh opportunities. “After nearly a decade with this team, I feel it’s time for a new chapter,” van der Poel said. “Alpecin–Deceuninck has been my home, my family, and the platform that gave me the freedom to grow into the rider I am today. I’ll always be grateful for that. But as I look ahead to the next phase of my career, I want to explore new goals, new races, and new ways of developing as an athlete.”
While the statement stopped short of naming van der Poel’s next destination, rumors have been swirling about potential mega offers from several of the sport’s top-tier teams, including Ineos Grenadiers, UAE Team Emirates, and Jumbo–Visma (which may be rebranding for the 2026 season). Sources close to the negotiations suggest that any future contract could be among the most lucrative in cycling history, potentially rivaling deals currently held by the likes of Tadej Pogačar and Jonas Vingegaard.
Team Alpecin–Deceuninck, for their part, expressed bittersweet emotions about the departure. “Mathieu has been the heartbeat of our team. His talent, charisma, and fighting spirit have brought us unforgettable moments,” said team manager Christoph Roodhooft. “While we’re saddened to see him go, we respect his decision and support his pursuit of continued greatness.”
Van der Poel’s departure will undoubtedly leave a significant gap—not just in team tactics but also in fan engagement, brand visibility, and race day spectacle. Known for his aggressive, unpredictable racing style and his ability to perform across disciplines—road, cyclo-cross, and mountain biking—he has become one of the sport’s most marketable and admired figures.
As for the rest of the 2025 season, van der Poel has made it clear that he intends to leave on a high note. With upcoming goals that may include another shot at the Olympic mountain bike gold in Paris, as well as more Monument victories and possible Tour de France stage wins, fans can expect the Dutchman to race with trademark intensity in his final months wearing the Alpecin–Deceuninck kit.
Cycling insiders note that his eventual move could reshape the balance of power among WorldTour teams, especially if he joins a squad with ambitions across multiple disciplines. Whether he chooses to align with a Grand Tour-focused team or a Classics-dominant roster remains to be seen—but one thing is certain: wherever Mathieu van der Poel goes next, the entire cycling world will be watching.
With his legacy at Alpecin–Deceuninck already secure, van der Poel’s future now stands as one of the most intriguing storylines heading into the 2026 season.
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