“Don’t Know How Long I’ll Keep Racing” – Mathieu van der Poel’s Cycling Crossroads, a Champion’s Dilemma and the Quest for Glory

Mathieu Van Der Poel is one of the biggest names in the cycling community. The 28-year-old cyclist from the Netherlands has been competing in both mountain biking and cyclo-cross racing for a long time. However, after having achieved almost everything from the realm of cyclo-cross, Poel is now skeptical about his future. In a recent revelation, the Dutchman has expressed his lingering doubts regarding how long he will be able to continue racing. 

Poel has a rich legacy in the realm. His stellar rivalry with Wout Van Aert kept the entire cycling fans on their toes. The face-off was initiated in the muddy terrains of Belgium and continued to amuse fans as they took the road at the Tour of Flanders and Paris-Roubaix. Unfortunately, these things are memories of the past, and going forward, the vibrant presence of Poel might be dearly missed by the cycling community. 

Mathieu Van Der Poel bids adieu to cycling? 

The recent reflection from Poel about his cyclo-cross future does not paint a bright picture for the fans. Being an expert athlete in two disciplines, the idea of concentrating on one has crossed the Dutchman’s mind. Poel even went on to say that he wouldn’t mind a leisurely winter without having to focus on cyclocross racing. To quote Poel, “The thought of focusing on one discipline crosses my mind…We have already discussed it within the team. I don’t know how long I’ll keep racing. An occasional winter without cyclo-cross would also be nice.” 

Poel also detailed about the reason he was looking to take a step back. Apparently, the back injury that he suffered during the Tokyo Olympics has come back to haunt him. The injury has time and again, relapsed and forced him to withdraw from major cyclo-cross events. One of his most notable misses of Poel due to his back injury was the 2021-22 season. The 28-year-old had to retire midway as his back flared up. 

Poel further stated that apart from his injured back, he now perceives cyclo-cross as a “winter activity.” However, like silver lightning amidst the dark clouds, Poel will be competing in this year’s cyclo-cross. The Dutch cyclist is undergoing rigorous training as he braces to kick-start the season on December 22. With Poel’s future in jeopardy, let’s appreciate the achievements of the cycling icon. 

Poel has his bags full

Mathieu Van Der Poel has been a promising talent right from his junior days. He took the community by storm and won his first Cyclocross World Championship in the year 2015. Since then, Poel hasn’t looked back. He has been like a juggernaut on the road and went on to clinch four more world titles, the latest of them coming in 2023. Poel has further stamped his authority by winning the European Championship and the National Championships. 

Read More: ‘There Was No More Teamwork’ – Jumbo-Visma Team Director after Massive Mixup on Angliru Climb at Vuelta a España

Apart from cyclocross, Poel also has a shining cabinet to flaunt on mountain bikes. The 28-year-old won the European XC Championship in 2019 and the National XC Championship in 2018. Thus, when he says that there is not much left for him to win, it is kind of true. 

With Poel uncertain about his future, the fans would be hoping that the Dutchman performs well in the upcoming championships. All eyes are now on Poel. 

Do you think he will be able to win? Comment and let us know below. 

Watch This Story: Top Five Contenders You Cant Afford to Miss at the Tour of Britain