Mathieu van der Poel Returns to Public Eye in Etten-Leur, Shares Positive Update on Health and Future Plans.

After weeks of uncertainty following his sudden withdrawal from the 2025 Tour de France, Dutch cycling superstar Mathieu van der Poel has finally reappeared in public, giving fans reason to smile again. The reigning world champion and one of the sport’s most versatile athletes took part in the post-Tour criterium in Etten-Leur, where he not only greeted his supporters but also provided an optimistic update about his recovery from pneumonia and his short-term racing ambitions.

Van der Poel, who stunned the cycling world by abandoning the Tour during its second week, had raised serious concerns about his health. He had been in excellent form, even winning Stage 2 and briefly pulling on the iconic yellow jersey, only for his campaign to be cut short after being diagnosed with pneumonia. The illness forced him to take a step back, putting his summer schedule in doubt and sparking questions about whether he would return in time for the latter part of the season.

In Etten-Leur, however, Van der Poel struck a noticeably more positive tone. Addressing the crowd and media, he admitted that the weeks following the Tour were difficult both physically and mentally, but he reassured fans that his health is steadily improving. “I feel better every day,” he said, acknowledging that he is still not back to full strength but motivated to resume competition.

The criterium itself was less about performance and more about presence. For Van der Poel, it was important to reconnect with the cycling community, show that he is on the mend, and build confidence ahead of his comeback races. His appearance drew large crowds, with fans eager to catch a glimpse of their hero, who has become one of the most admired figures in global cycling thanks to his relentless attacking style and his success across multiple disciplines—road, cyclocross, and mountain biking.

Looking ahead, Van der Poel outlined a cautious but ambitious schedule. His immediate focus is on returning to road racing at the Renewi Tour (August 20–24), which will serve as his first competitive outing since leaving the Tour de France. While he admitted that his form remains a “big question mark,” he believes the Renewi Tour’s terrain suits his characteristics and could provide valuable racing rhythm as he regains fitness.

Beyond that, Van der Poel has also confirmed his participation in the UCI Mountain Bike XCO World Cup in Les Gets on August 31. This race is particularly significant because it forms part of his preparation for the Mountain Bike World Championships in September, one of his key goals for the season. Known for his ability to switch seamlessly between disciplines, Van der Poel has often expressed his love for mountain biking and sees it as a vital part of his identity as a rider.

One event he will not contest this year, however, is the UCI Road World Championships in Kigali, Rwanda, set for late September. His decision to skip the event means that fellow Dutch rider Thymen Arensman will lead the Netherlands’ charge in the elite men’s race. For Van der Poel, the priority is recovery and peak form for his remaining targets rather than risking further setbacks.

Despite the challenges, his return to public view has reignited enthusiasm among his supporters. The cheers in Etten-Leur were not just for a champion cyclist but for an athlete admired for his resilience, honesty, and willingness to confront setbacks head-on.

As the cycling season enters its decisive months, all eyes will once again be on Mathieu van der Poel. Whether on the flat, narrow roads of the Renewi Tour or the demanding trails of the MTB World Cup, fans can expect him to bring the same grit, flair, and passion that have defined his career. And after weeks of uncertainty, the message from Etten-Leur was clear: Mathieu van der Poel is back, and he’s ready to fight again.