British cycling star Tom Pidcock has opened up about his decision to skip this year’s Mountain Bike World Championships — a choice that will sidestep what could have been another thrilling showdown with Dutch rival Mathieu van der Poel. Instead, the versatile Q36.5 rider will focus his efforts on the 2025 Vuelta a España, where he’s setting his sights on a top-10 general classification finish.
Speaking ahead of the Spanish Grand Tour, Pidcock was quick to dismiss any talk of rivalry with van der Poel, who continues to dominate across multiple disciplines. “Mathieu is far ahead of me,” Pidcock admitted candidly. “He’s at a different level right now — especially with what he’s achieved on the road and in cyclocross. I have a lot of respect for him.”
The two riders have long been compared due to their shared ability to excel across road racing, cyclocross, and mountain biking. Both are Olympic-caliber athletes, capable of winning on virtually any terrain. However, their 2025 schedules will take them down separate paths — van der Poel enjoying a period of rest and preparation for the 2026 season, while Pidcock dives headlong into the three-week challenge of the Vuelta.
For Pidcock, the decision reflects a shift in priorities. After several seasons balancing multiple disciplines, the 25-year-old is increasingly focused on establishing himself as a genuine Grand Tour contender. “It’s time to see what I can really do in a three-week race,” he explained. “The Vuelta gives me that opportunity. I want to test my limits and see how far I can go.”
While fans may be disappointed to miss another head-to-head clash between two of cycling’s most exciting all-rounders, Pidcock’s ambitions underline his growing maturity as a racer. He’s not chasing comparisons anymore — he’s building his own path.
And as van der Poel takes a well-earned breather, Pidcock’s focus on the red-hot Spanish roads could mark the next defining step in his evolution from multi-discipline prodigy to bona fide Grand
Tour force.