Thymen Arensman leads Dutch charge for Rainbow Jersey in Van der Poel’s absence

With Mathieu van der Poel opting out of this year’s UCI World Championships, all eyes turn to Thymen Arensman as the Netherlands unveil a climbing-heavy men's elite selection for the 2025 edition, set to unfold in the high-altitude terrain of Kigali, Rwanda from 21–28 September.

National coach Koos Moerenhout has named a well-rounded squad designed to handle the attritional nature of the Rwandan parcours — a route expected to reward endurance, race savvy, and serious climbing legs. Arensman, fresh from two stage victories at the Tour de France and continuing to mature as a Grand Tour GC threat, will shoulder leadership duties in a team built around depth rather than star power.

“We don’t have a standout favourite this year like we did with Mathieu in the past,” Moerenhout acknowledged in a KNWU press release. “That gives us the chance to approach the race with more flexibility. Thymen has shown incredible form — he’ll be one of our key cards to play — but we’ve also given others the freedom to get involved when it matters.”

Alongside Arensman, the road race line-up features experienced climbers and breakaway specialists: Bauke Mollema, Wout Poels, Koen Bouwman, Sam Oomen, and rising talent Frank van den Broek. It's a group more than capable of thriving in the grinding, high-altitude conditions expected in Kigali, with several riders boasting Grand Tour pedigree and strong records in mountainous terrain.

The omission of Van der Poel — the defending champion and a rider who typically draws race-day attention — shifts the Dutch approach from the usual all-in-for-one strategy to something more dynamic and opportunistic. With Rwanda’s punchy climbs and potential for a war of attrition, the race could play into the hands of a rider like Arensman, who excels in long, selective races where strength and patience prevail.

Moerenhout is realistic about the challenge but optimistic: “This will be a hard race. The best will rise to the front naturally — it’s that kind of course. Our riders have prepared well, they have the qualities, and I hope to see several of them in the final shake-up. And maybe, just maybe, we can pull off something unexpected.”

Arensman will also double up in the individual time trial, a discipline where he’s shown steady progression. Rwanda’s technical and potentially hilly course could suit his powerful, tempo-driven style, even if medal contention will be a tall order against the specialist chrono machines.

Technical director Wilbert Broekhuizen underlined the team’s long-term planning for this unique Worlds location: “We’ve prepared specifically for Rwanda — the altitude, the conditions, the travel. It’s a demanding setting that needs a tailored approach. We believe this group has the right mix to adapt and perform.”

Thymen Arensman
Bauke Mollema
Wout Poels
Koen Bouwman
Sam Oomen
Frank van den Broek

Thymen Arensman