‘It’s no longer medically advisable for me to ride my bike’ – Eli Iserbyt announces immediate retirement from cycling in emotional video message

Eli Iserbyt announced his immediate retirement from professional cycling in an emotional Instagram video message to his fans on Thursday. The Belgian cyclist revealed that his doctors have confirmed that cycling is no longer advisable due to a medical problem that originated from reduced blood flow in the femoral artery.

“The past few weeks, I have received the news from multiple doctors that it’s no longer medically advisable for me to ride my bike recreationally and competitively,” Iserbyt said video message posted to his personal Instagram account.

“That examination confirmed the reduced blood flow in the femoral artery. This appeared to be a clear explanation for the reduced performance, which was completely out of line with Eli’s normal level,” De Winter said in 2024.

Although Iserbyt went on to win X2O Trofee Baal-GP Sven Nys on January 1, 2025, it would be his last victory. He hasn’t competed in cyclo-cross since the X2O Trofee Brussels-Brussels Universities Cyclocross on February 16, 2025.

He had aimed to return to cyclo-cross racing but revealed in November of 2025 that he had a relapse after four surgeries to try to correct low blood flow through the femoral artery in his left leg, ultimately ending his hopes to return to racing.

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