In a move that has left cycling fans and experts stunned, Mathieu van der Poel and Thibau Nys have come under heavy fire for their recent skiing trip, just weeks before the grueling spring classics. The decision to hit the slopes has been branded as “reckless” and “irresponsible” by many in the cycling world, sparking a heated debate about the risks top riders should—and shouldn’t—take during critical preparation periods.
A Dangerous Decision?
Both Van der Poel and Nys are known for their aggressive racing styles and fearless approaches to competition, but their latest off-season adventure has raised eyebrows. Photos and videos surfaced online showing the two cycling stars enjoying a skiing holiday, prompting immediate backlash from fans and experts alike.
“Skiing is one of the most injury-prone activities an athlete can do,” said a former professional cyclist, who chose to remain anonymous. “One wrong move, one bad fall, and their entire season could be over. For riders aiming to dominate the spring classics, this is a massive gamble.”
The timing of the trip couldn’t be more controversial. With the highly anticipated Tour of Flanders and Paris-Roubaix just around the corner, any injury—even a minor one—could derail months of preparation. Cycling fans are now questioning whether the duo’s decision to take this risk was worth it.
Backlash from Experts and Fans
Social media exploded with reactions, with many fans expressing their disbelief. “How could they be so careless? These guys are supposed to be professionals!” tweeted one user, while another wrote, “If Van der Poel gets injured, Alpecin-Deceuninck will regret this big time.”
It’s not just the fans who are concerned. Renowned cycling coach Michel Cornelisse weighed in on the situation, stating, “As much as I admire these riders, I cannot recommend skiing for cyclists in top form just before the season. It’s simply too risky. The movements, the potential for falls, and the stress on the knees—none of this is good for a rider who depends on his legs to win races.”
Cornelisse’s warning echoes past incidents where elite cyclists suffered setbacks due to extracurricular activities. In 2019, former world champion Peter Sagan faced criticism for his off-season skiing escapades, which many believed contributed to his inconsistent form in the following season.
Van der Poel and Nys Respond
Despite the uproar, both Van der Poel and Nys have defended their decision, insisting that they were fully aware of the risks.
“I’ve been skiing for years, and I know how to control myself,” Van der Poel responded when questioned about the criticism. “We weren’t doing anything crazy—just enjoying some time off before the real grind begins. It’s important to keep a balance between training and having fun.”
Thibau Nys echoed similar sentiments, stating, “People are making a big deal out of nothing. We are professional athletes; we know our limits. It’s not like we were jumping off cliffs or racing downhill. We were careful.”
However, their reassurances haven’t fully convinced everyone. Some argue that even a minor slip could have dire consequences, especially given the unpredictable nature of skiing.
What Happens Next?
With the cycling season on the horizon, all eyes will be on Van der Poel and Nys to see if their risky vacation impacts their performance. Should either of them underperform or suffer an unexpected injury, critics will waste no time in pointing to the ski trip as a major mistake.
Alpecin-Deceuninck and Lidl-Trek, the teams of Van der Poel and Nys respectively, have not officially commented on the controversy, but insiders suggest that team management was not thrilled about the ski getaway.
“These teams invest millions into their riders,” a cycling analyst noted. “They have physiotherapists, nutritionists, and training programs designed to keep them in peak condition. A skiing trip is a wild card. It introduces a level of risk that no top team wants to deal with.”
Final Verdict: Risky or Overblown?
While some believe the backlash is exaggerated, others argue that elite athletes have a responsibility to minimize risk, especially so close to crucial races. Cycling is an unpredictable sport where even the smallest factor can change the outcome of a season.
For now, Van der Poel and Nys seem unfazed by the controversy, but if they fail to deliver in the upcoming spring classics, this ski trip could go down as one of the most ill-advised decisions in recent cycling history.
What do you think? Should pro cyclists be allowed to take such risks in the off-season, or should they play it safe to ensure top performance when it matters most? Let us know in the comments below!
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