Remco Evenepoel and Mathieu van der Poel miss national titles to focus on Tour de France

The Belgian cycling federation maintains a compulsory participation rule for its top riders at the national championships, warning of a nine‑day suspension for any non‑starter without a valid medical certificate. Director of Sport Massimo Van Lancker explained that the event’s host cities invest heavily and expect the sport’s biggest stars, noting, "But who are we as a federation to question what a doctor writes?" While Remco Evenepoel’s name remains on the start list, past medical exemptions have allowed elite riders to miss the race without penalty.

In the Netherlands, world champion Mathieu van der Poel also chose to skip the Dutch championship. Former world champion Tom Dumoulin said the decision was simple: "It’s not in the plan – it’s the last quiet weekend before the Tour, and the race doesn’t suit his preparation." He added that the Dutch title often turns into a tactical contest where the strongest rider does not automatically win, calling it a "flutwedstrijd" for van der Poel, who wants to concentrate on the upcoming Tour de France.