Mathieu van der Poel has officially withdrawn from the Tour de France following a sudden health scare that left fans and fellow riders shocked. The Alpecin-Deceuninck rider, who had been battling through the stages with visible signs of discomfort, was diagnosed with pneumonia after medical examinations.
Team doctors confirmed that van der Poel had been feeling unwell for several days, but the severity of his condition wasn’t fully clear until further tests revealed the lung infection. As a result, the Dutch cycling star was forced to abandon the race to focus on recovery.
Fans have flooded social media with messages of support, expressing disappointment at his premature exit and concern for his well-being. His team also released a brief statement, thanking supporters and assuring everyone that van der Poel is receiving the best possible care.
This unexpected turn comes as a significant blow not only to his personal ambitions but also to his team’s overall strategy for the Tour. His presence had been a key component in Alpecin-Deceuninck’s race plan, and his absence will undoubtedly reshape the dynamics of the remaining stages.
Van der Poel is expected to take time off from racing to fully recover, with his return to competition depending on how quickly he responds to treatment.
Leave a Reply