"It's a race that I don't really like" - Mathieu van der Poel says he has 'nothing to gain' from riding the Tour de France

Mathieu van der Poel has a palmares most riders could only dream of, taking World Championship titles in multiple disciplines, numerous Monument victories and more. In terms of Grand Tour success though, one stage of the Giro d’Italia and one of the Tour de France is a comparatively small return for a rider of Van der Poel's qualities.

The 2025 Tour de France however, on paper at least, is a more Van der Poel friendly course. According to the Dutchman himself though, his interest in continuing to ride the French Grand Tour every year just isn't as strong as it is for other races. In an in depth interview with Sporza, the Alpecin-Deceuninck leader opens up on his love-hate relationship with the Tour de France.

"It's a race that I don't really like," he admits honestly. "Apart from trying to win stages and wear the yellow jersey (two things he has already done), there's not much to gain for me in the Tour. I'd rather ride 5 races in which I'm competing to win than 20 stages in which I'm not competing for the win half the time."

On his last couple of Tour de France appearances, Van der Poel has, very successfully operated as last leadout man for teammate Jasper Philipsen, helping the Belgian to numerous stage victories and a Green Jersey in the 2023 edition. "With Jasper on board, my goal is always to help him win as many stages as possible," the former world road race champion explains. "I like that and it also takes the pressure off me."

Van der Poel also hints that a first trip to Paris-Nice could be on the cards for 2025. "New races provide new impulses," he concludes. "That is why Paris-Nice could be an option instead of Tirreno-Adriatico, which I have already ridden a few times."