Mathieu Van Der Poel Confirms Attendance at the Les Gets XC World Cup
Dutch cycling superstar Mathieu van der Poel has officially confirmed his participation in the Les Gets XC World Cup, adding another layer of excitement to what promises to be one of the most anticipated events on the UCI Mountain Bike World Cup calendar. Known for his explosive power, versatility, and relentless competitiveness, Van der Poel’s decision to compete has sent shockwaves through the mountain biking community and raised expectations for a thrilling showdown in the French Alps.
Set against the breathtaking backdrop of Les Gets, France, the event has become one of the crown jewels of the cross-country (XC) circuit, attracting the world’s top riders and thousands of fans each year. With Van der Poel now in the mix, the 2025 edition of the race is shaping up to be a must-watch spectacle.
A Strategic Move for Van Der Poel
Mathieu van der Poel’s decision to compete in Les Gets is significant, particularly given his already demanding schedule that spans multiple cycling disciplines — including road racing, cyclo-cross, and mountain biking. The Alpecin-Deceuninck rider has carefully managed his calendar in recent years, balancing his commitments to major road events like the Tour de France with his passion for off-road racing.
By committing to the Les Gets XC World Cup, Van der Poel signals a renewed focus on mountain biking, where he’s long been considered one of the sport’s most talented and dynamic competitors. With the 2025 UCI Mountain Bike World Championships and potential Olympic qualification points looming, this appearance is not just about competing — it’s also about refining his form and securing valuable ranking points.
“I’m really looking forward to racing in Les Gets,” Van der Poel said in a statement. “It’s always an incredible event, with a challenging course and a fantastic atmosphere. It’s the perfect opportunity to test myself against the very best.”
Les Gets: A Legendary Venue
Nestled in the Haute-Savoie region of France, Les Gets has become one of the most iconic venues in modern mountain biking. The course is known for its steep climbs, technical descents, and ever-changing terrain, demanding both physical endurance and razor-sharp bike-handling skills.
For Van der Poel, the challenge of Les Gets offers a unique opportunity to showcase his versatility. The Dutch rider thrives on courses that test multiple facets of cycling ability, and the combination of lung-busting climbs and tricky singletrack plays directly into his strengths.
Fans will remember that Van der Poel has enjoyed success on similarly demanding courses in the past. His ability to transition seamlessly between explosive sprints and sustained efforts makes him a legitimate threat to the podium, even against mountain biking specialists.
Stacked Field, Fierce Competition
While Mathieu van der Poel’s attendance has grabbed headlines, he won’t have an easy path to victory in Les Gets. The XC World Cup has never been more competitive, with elite riders from across the globe set to battle it out.
Reigning champions like Tom Pidcock (Great Britain) and Nino Schurter (Switzerland) are expected to headline the men’s field, both bringing their own decorated resumes and proven XC pedigree. Rising stars such as Jordan Sarrou and Alan Hatherly have also been in excellent form, making this one of the deepest fields in recent memory.
Van der Poel’s participation not only heightens the level of competition but also draws global attention to the event. His rivalry with Pidcock, in particular, is a storyline fans are eager to follow. The two have gone head-to-head across multiple disciplines, from cyclo-cross to the road, and their clash in Les Gets could be another chapter in their growing rivalry.
Preparation and Priorities
Van der Poel has made it clear that his preparation for Les Gets is part of a larger strategy for the season. While his road calendar remains packed with marquee events, he’s allocating significant training time to fine-tune his off-road fitness and technical skills ahead of the race.
His ability to balance competing priorities has always set him apart. In 2023 and 2024, he demonstrated that elite-level performances are possible across multiple cycling disciplines, claiming victories in major classics, cyclo-cross world titles, and XC podium finishes. Les Gets represents another chance for Van der Poel to prove his unmatched adaptability in the modern era of cycling.
“For me, it’s about finding the right balance,” Van der Poel explained. “The road season is demanding, but mountain biking is something I really enjoy, and events like Les Gets bring out the best in me.”
Implications for the 2025 Season
Van der Poel’s participation in Les Gets has broader implications for the 2025 mountain biking season. With the Olympics on the horizon and the UCI World Championships approaching, every major race becomes an opportunity to build momentum and secure crucial UCI points.
For the Dutch star, success in Les Gets would be a statement of intent — proving he remains one of the most dangerous riders on any surface. For fans, it’s an opportunity to watch one of cycling’s biggest names go wheel-to-wheel with the best XC riders in the world.
Moreover, his involvement boosts visibility for the sport as a whole. Van der Poel’s popularity transcends traditional cycling boundaries, attracting road racing fans to mountain biking events and increasing global interest in the XC World Cup series.
Fans Anticipate an Unforgettable Showdown
Tickets for the Les Gets XC World Cup were already in high demand, but Van der Poel’s announcement has elevated excitement to another level. Fans across Europe and beyond are expected to flock to the French Alps to witness one of the most competitive fields ever assembled.
On social media, the reaction was immediate and enthusiastic, with hashtags like #MVdP, #LesGets2025, and #UCIWorldCup trending shortly after his confirmation. Many fans are eager to see if Van der Poel can translate his all-around dominance into a win against riders who’ve specialized in XC for years.
Final Thoughts
Mathieu van der Poel’s decision to race the Les Gets XC World Cup adds star power and intrigue to an already loaded event. Known for redefining what’s possible across cycling disciplines, Van der Poel will bring his trademark aggression, stamina, and tactical brilliance to one of the sport’s most challenging stages.
With a stacked field, an iconic venue, and one of the sport’s most versatile athletes on the start line, Les Gets is shaping up to be one of the highlights of the 2025 cycling season. Whether Van der Poel claims victory or sparks another unforgettable battle, his participation guarantees fans a spectacle worth watching.
Do you want me to follow this up with a preview article breaking down the key rivalries at Les Gets, including Van der Poel vs. Tom Pidcock vs. Nino Schurter? It could make for an even deeper dive into the event’s biggest storylines.
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