Tour de France 2025: Dutchman Van der Poel abandons stage 16 after contracting pneumonia
The three-time winner of Paris-Roubaix and the Tour of Flanders was very active in this Tour de France. He won the second stage in Boulogne-sur-Mer and wore the yellow jersey, but also slipped into numerous breakaways.
In the general classification, Van der Poel was almost 1 hour 40 minutes behind leader Tadej Pogacar at the end of stage 15. Photo Sipa/GodingImages
Dutchman Mathieu van der Poel has contracted pneumonia and is withdrawing from the Tour de France, his Alpecin team announced on Tuesday ahead of the start of the 16th stage between Montpellier and Mont Ventoux.
"Mathieu had been showing symptoms of a cold for several days, but yesterday (Monday) afternoon his condition deteriorated significantly. In the evening, he developed a fever and was taken to Narbonne Hospital for tests," the Belgian team said.
"Medical examinations revealed that Mathieu was suffering from pneumonia. In consultation with the medical staff, it has been decided that he cannot continue the race. His health is the priority," the team added, specifying that the 2023 world champion would "rest for at least a week before undergoing further medical examinations."
The three-time winner of Paris-Roubaix and the Tour of Flanders was very active in this Tour de France. He won the second stage in Boulogne-sur-Mer and wore the yellow jersey, but also slipped into numerous breakaways. In the general classification, he was nearly 1 hour and 40 minutes behind leader Tadej Pogacar at the end of stage 15.
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