Mathieu van der Poel has been forced to abandon the Tour de France after being diagnosed with pneumonia, his Alpecin-Deceuninck team confirmed.
The 30-year-old Dutchman had been a standout performer in the race, wearing the yellow jersey twice and winning Stage 2 in Boulogne-sur-Mer. However, he had been quiet in the days leading up to the second rest day, struggling with cold-like symptoms that worsened significantly.
“Mathieu had been experiencing symptoms of a common cold over the past few days. Yesterday afternoon, his condition began to worsen significantly,” the team said in a statement. “Medical tests revealed that Mathieu is suffering from pneumonia. In consultation with the medical staff, it was decided that he can no longer continue the race. His health is the top priority, and rest and recovery are now essential.”
Van der Poel was third in the green jersey standings, with an outside chance of challenging points leader Jonathan Milan. His exit continues a difficult Tour for Alpecin-Deceuninck, who earlier lost Jasper Philipsen to a crash after he had won the opening stage.
The Tour resumes on Tuesday with Stage 16, featuring the iconic Mont Ventoux climb, as Tadej Pogacar aims to extend his lead over Jonas Vingegaard.
