TL;DR

Van der Poel exits Tour de France with pneumonia; green jersey race and sprint stages wide open.

Highlights

• Mathieu van der Poel has withdrawn from the 2025 Tour de France due to pneumonia1.
• He did not start Stage 16 (Montpellier to Mont Ventoux) after a hospital exam confirmed his illness1.
• Van der Poel had won Stage 2, worn the yellow jersey for four days, and was third in the points classification (210 points)1.
• His exit removes a top contender for the green jersey and changes sprint stage dynamics1.
• Alpecin-Deceuninck loses its primary attacker for the remainder of the Tour1.
• Team doctors have ordered at least a week of rest and further medical checks before van der Poel can return1.

Commentary

Mathieu van der Poel’s withdrawal due to pneumonia is a significant development for Tour de France stakeholders1. He was a major factor in the points classification and a consistent threat in both stage wins and breakaways1. His absence immediately shifts the green jersey race, with rivals now facing less competition for intermediate and sprint points1.

For fantasy managers, van der Poel’s exit means an urgent need to reallocate resources to other sprinters or opportunists who may see increased roles. Bettors should monitor odds for the points classification and upcoming flat stages, as the market will adjust to the absence of a key favorite. Alpecin-Deceuninck’s tactical options are now limited, likely impacting their approach to the remaining stages1.

With the Tour entering decisive mountain stages, the peloton loses one of its most aggressive attackers1. This could open up opportunities for other teams and riders to animate breakaways or target stage wins. The situation also highlights the unpredictability of multi-stage events, where health can quickly alter the competitive landscape.