This mutual decision between Veronica and EF Education–Oatly was made with her long-term health and well-being as the top priority.
Veronica has been managing RED-S throughout her career. After taking a prolonged break from cycling during the 2024 season to support her recovery, she returned to racing and remained under close supervision of our medical and nutrition staff. Together, they managed her training and race schedules while monitoring her symptoms to support her recovery from RED-S.
Veronica has been diligent throughout the recovery process and has worked hard to rebuild her health. She has done everything within her power to support her recovery while remaining a committed teammate both on and off the bike.
Ahead of the team’s 2026 pre-season camp, bloodwork performed by her personal nutritionist revealed she was still showing hormonal values consistent with RED-S. As a result, Veronica and the team jointly agreed to release her from her contract. The decision was made to enable her to take time away from the sport to fully focus on her recovery while also removing any contractual pressures associated with being a professional athlete.
The team’s medical staff, therapists, and dietitians will continue to remain available to her throughout her time away from cycling.
“The team has given me time to recover but unfortunately it hasn’t been enough time for my body to heal fully,” Veronica said. “Now is the time to focus on my health because if I don’t then I will continue to be stuck in a healing body that can’t perform nor fully heal. If I ever want to perform at the top level again, I need to take the time to fully recover and then compete in a fully functional body.
“I’d like to thank the team for listening to me and supporting my decision to regain my health,” she said.
“The health and long-term well-being of our riders is always our top concern, and that is what guided this difficult decision,” said EF Education–Oatly general manager Esra Tromp. “Veronica has shown immense courage and dedication, and we are committed to supporting her as she focuses on her health. We hope to see Veronica healthy again very soon.”
We wish Veronica all the best in her recovery.
If you or anyone else is dealing with RED-S, Project RED-S is a valuable resource.