Mathieu van der Poel has officially announced that the upcoming season will be his final year in professional cycling, marking the conclusion of one of the most thrilling and diverse careers the sport has ever seen. The 29-year-old Dutch rider made the announcement during a press conference held alongside his Alpecin–Deceuninck team, where he spoke candidly about his decision to step away from competition after more than a decade at the top level.
“This wasn’t an easy decision,” Van der Poel said. “Cycling has been my life, and I’ve loved every minute of it. But after long discussions with my family and the team, I feel that it’s the right moment to close this chapter and look ahead to new experiences.”
Van der Poel’s career has been defined by brilliance across multiple disciplines. He is one of the rare athletes to achieve world-class success in road racing, cyclocross, and mountain biking. Among his many achievements are victories in some of cycling’s most prestigious one-day classics, including the Tour of Flanders, Milan–San Remo, Paris–Roubaix, and Amstel Gold Race. In cyclocross, he claimed multiple world titles and revolutionized the sport with his explosive riding style and technical mastery.
Perhaps most impressively, Van der Poel became a symbol of aggressive, all-in racing that inspired a new generation of fans and riders. He was known not only for his victories but also for his daring attacks, his refusal to wait for the sprint, and his relentless pursuit of spectacle.
As the news of his retirement spread, tributes poured in from across the cycling world. Teammates, rivals, former champions, and fans expressed admiration for his legacy and thanked him for the unforgettable moments he delivered throughout his career.
While he will no longer race professionally after 2025, Van der Poel hinted that he won’t be stepping away from the sport entirely. “I love this sport too much to walk away from it completely. I hope to stay involved, maybe in a different role, and continue sharing my passion for cycling in new ways.”
His final season promises to be an emotional one, with every appearance on the start line carrying the weight of farewell. Fans across the globe will undoubtedly cherish the chance to see him in action one last time, as one of the most electrifying riders of his generation takes his final lap.
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