“Pneumonia is a serious issue” Adrie Van der Poel says Mathieu recovering cautiously after early Tour exit

One of the biggest disappointments of this year’s Tour de France was the unexpected departure of Mathieu van der Poel. The Dutchman had won Stage 2, came close on several other occasions, and wore the yellow jersey multiple times in the opening weeks. His racing brought energy and unpredictability, a throwback to his spring classics form, and it was clear he was enjoying himself more than in previous Tours. But after animating much of the first half of the race, his campaign was cut short by a bout of pneumonia.

Wielerflits spoke to Van der Poel’s father, Adrie, to get an update on his condition. “I happened to hear on TV today that he apparently cycled. But I didn't speak to him today. Yesterday morning he sent a message saying he was doing much better, but he also knows he needs to take it easy for a few days. Pneumonia is a serious issue. It's better to rest a day too long than to start an hour too early."

Adrie added that his son might have gone for a short ride if the weather was good, but said, “Normally he's old and wise enough to follow that good advice.”

This year marked a change in Van der Poel’s approach to the Tour, a race he had previously found difficult to enjoy due to limited opportunities for his strengths. But with more classics-style stages in the 2025 edition, the race suited him better, and he delivered. Before this year, he hadn’t won a Tour stage in four years.

Reflecting on his son’s performance and the sudden end to his Tour, Adrie said, “I let things like that go immediately. You shouldn't remind him of that either. I think the disappointment was really huge this year, because I think he was incredibly prepared. He wanted that himself, because there were so many possibilities.

“There were a few things that didn't quite go his way, but in hindsight, you have to say: winning a stage, challenging for the yellow jersey, reclaiming it in a spectacular way, riding a day with two riders in front – fantastic, I think.”