Dutch fans continue to hold out hope that their riders will remain integral to the sport’s future, even if they aren’t leading the charge in this year’s Tour de France.
As the world of professional cycling gears up for the 2025 Tour de France, the
spotlight is firmly on the formidable Slovenian rider, Tadej Pogacar, who has
dominated the sport in recent years. However, with the Dutch cycling scene on
the rise, the conspicuous absence of Dutch riders in Team Visma’s planned
2025 Tour lineup has raised eyebrows, and none more so than the thoughts
shared by Thijs Zonneveld, a respected cycling expert.
Zonneveld’s comment, “To beat Pogacar, everything has to be right,”
highlights the extraordinary challenge that riders and teams face when trying
to dethrone the reigning champion of the Tour de France. Pogacar, with his
unmatched climbing abilities, time trial skills, and tactical nous, has become
almost untouchable, raising the stakes for any team aiming to unseat him from
the top spot.
For Team Visma, a powerhouse in the cycling world, the decision not to
include Dutch riders in their 2025 lineup is surprising to many fans and
experts alike. The Netherlands has produced some of the sport’s most talented
riders in recent years, and their absence from the team’s roster for one of the
sport’s biggest events is certainly a topic of discussion.
Zonneveld points to a key issue: the sheer depth of talent required to take on
Pogacar. “It’s not enough to just have a great rider,” he says. “The entire team
needs to be on top of their game—each rider needs to play their part perfectly
for the leader to have a chance of success.” This statement reinforces the idea
that winning the Tour de France isn’t just about one star rider but rather about
building a complete, cohesive unit that can support each other through the
grueling three-week race. Team dynamics, impeccable strategy, and an
understanding of every rider’s strengths and weaknesses are essential for
success.
The absence of Dutch riders from Visma’s 2025 lineup raises questions about
the team’s future approach. The Netherlands has long been a breeding ground
for cycling talent, with top riders like Tom Dumoulin and Mathieu van der
Poel becoming household names in the sport. Yet, despite this abundance of
talent, Dutch cyclists may struggle to find a spot on one of the most
competitive teams in the world.
For Visma, the decision could stem from the rising competition within their
ranks. The team has invested heavily in riders from other countries, with a
focus on finding riders who can specifically challenge Pogacar’s supremacy in
the mountains and time trials. The team’s strategy may also be to prioritize
certain skill sets over others, possibly seeking riders who excel in specific
stages or disciplines, such as sprinting or climbing.
Another factor to consider is the evolving nature of team dynamics and the
internationalization of the sport. With teams like Ineos Grenadiers and
Jumbo-Visma continuing to recruit riders from all over the world, cycling is no
longer just about national pride but also about assembling the strongest
possible team, regardless of nationality. Zonneveld himself emphasizes the
importance of finding the right combination of riders, suggesting that the best
talent should be chosen based on performance and compatibility rather than
nationality.
However, the absence of Dutch riders from the 2025 Tour de France lineup
still represents a significant shift in the cycling landscape. The Netherlands
has long been a hub of cycling success, and the lack of representation may
spark conversations about how teams are building their rosters for the future.
While there are still talented Dutch riders on the scene, the increasing
competitiveness and specialization of teams make it harder for any one rider
to secure a coveted spot in the Tour de France lineup.
Looking ahead to the 2025 Tour de France, it’s clear that beating Tadej
Pogacar will require more than just great individual performances.
Zonneveld’s remarks underline the complexity of the challenge that awaits any
rider or team aiming for victory in the world’s most prestigious cycling race.
Team Visma will have to find the perfect combination of talent, teamwork, and
timing to dethrone the Slovenian sensation. And for Dutch fans, the hope
remains that their riders will continue to play a pivotal role in shaping the
future of the sport, even if they’re not at the forefront of this year’s Tour de
France battle.
