Mathieu van der Poel has made it clear that his ambitions in mountain biking are far from over, even as the highly anticipated 2025 World Championships draw closer. While many have speculated that this year might represent his final realistic chance to capture the elusive MTB rainbow jersey, the Dutch superstar has strongly pushed back against the notion, insisting that his dream is not bound to a now-or-never timeline.
Van der Poel, who has already built a glittering career across multiple cycling disciplines—winning on the road, in cyclo-cross, and on the mountain bike—acknowledged the pressure and expectation that comes with being a rider of his stature. But speaking ahead of the season’s most significant off-road challenge, he revealed a calm determination to continue chasing success in MTB regardless of the outcome in 2025. “It’s not my last chance,” he stated firmly, dismissing the narrative that this Championship is a make-or-break moment.
The 29-year-old has always been open about his love for mountain biking, a discipline he first excelled in as a teenager before going on to conquer road and cyclo-cross. For him, the pursuit of the rainbow jersey in MTB is less about ticking off a missing trophy and more about fulfilling a personal passion. “I’ve always enjoyed the mountain bike,” he explained in recent interviews. “It’s a different challenge, a different style of racing, and I don’t feel like I need to win this year or never. As long as I’m motivated, I’ll keep trying.”
This statement reflects the mindset of an athlete who has repeatedly proven that he thrives under pressure but also understands how to manage expectations. In 2021, Van der Poel’s hopes of an Olympic medal in Tokyo ended in heartbreak when a crash forced him out of contention. Yet rather than discouraging him, that setback has fueled his determination to return to the mountain bike at the highest level. He has since juggled an intense road calendar with MTB ambitions, showing fans his versatility and relentless hunger for competition.
Supporters of Van der Poel know that his words carry weight. Unlike many riders who specialize in one discipline, his career has been defined by conquering multiple arenas. He has already worn the rainbow jersey in cyclo-cross and won some of cycling’s most iconic one-day road races, including the Tour of Flanders and Paris-Roubaix. Adding a mountain bike World Championship to his collection would cement his legacy as one of the most complete riders of his generation.
Still, Van der Poel’s insistence that this year is not his only opportunity has reassured his fans and taken some pressure off his shoulders. He emphasized that as long as he remains physically capable and mentally motivated, he will continue to line up at MTB World Championships in the future. “I don’t put a limit on myself,” he said. “Cycling is what I love, and as long as I enjoy it, I’ll keep going.”
As the 2025 MTB World Championships approach, all eyes will once again be on Van der Poel. Whether he achieves his long-awaited dream this year or not, his commitment to mountain biking ensures that his pursuit will not end anytime soon. For the Dutchman, the rainbow jersey remains a goal worth chasing, but not at the expense of joy, longevity, and perspective. In his words and actions, Van der Poel continues to show that his story in mountain biking is still being written, and the final chapter is yet to come.
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