Michael Matthews reveals how near-fatal health scare reignited his love for cycling
Australian rider Michael Matthews has revealed how a pulmonary embolism that forced him out of the 2025 Tour de France has ultimately rekindled his passion for cycling and potentially extended his career.
Michael Matthews has returned to competitive cycling with renewed motivation after a pulmonary embolism nearly ended not just his career, but his life. The 34-year-old Jayco-AlUla rider, speaking to bici.pro, described the harrowing experience that forced him to withdraw from the 2025 Tour de France and left him uncertain if he would ever race again.
"I had no idea if I would get back on my bike or even if I would survive or die," Matthews revealed. "No one could tell me what the next steps would be, both in my career and in my life."
The Australian, nicknamed Bling for his flashy riding style, was diagnosed with the life-threatening condition just days before the Tour was set to begin. The diagnosis came after completing a three-week training camp where he had been meticulously preparing for La Grande Boucle.
Matthews featured in a breakaway at Il Lombardia, a race not suited to his more punchy nature, yet he managed to finish 21st.
"Attacking was our plan from the start," explained Matthews. "I knew that the best option to get a good result at Lombardia was to gain an early advantage, and it went well for me because I found myself in a really interesting breakaway."
The recovery process wasn’t straightforward, with Matthews describing it as "a roller coaster of emotions" and admitting there were dark moments during his rehabilitation.
"I was depressed, wondering if life was over," he said. "It’s been a very tumultuous four months of my life, but I’m here now, and thanks to my current form and recent results, I’m proud of what I’m doing."
Rather than curtailing his career, Matthews believes the health scare has actually extended it by giving him fresh perspective and motivation.
"The dream is still called Milan-Sanremo, but now I’m ten times more motivated than before," said Matthews. "My career could have ended this year because of my health or the mental problems I had following the stop, so the fact that I have overcome those insidious obstacles pushes me to still believe in myself."
Now focused on 2026, Matthews believes he still has several years at the top level, with doctors telling him he has “the body of a twenty-five-year-old.”
Having competed against multiple generations of cycling stars, from Tom Boonen to Tadej Pogačar, Matthews remains determined to add a Monument victory to his palmarès while embracing each day with newfound appreciation.
"I think so," Matthews said when asked if his ordeal had lengthened his career. "It made me realise what I have and appreciate every single opportunity that comes my way."
