Eli Iserbyt ends his sports career after receiving a definitive medical diagnosis

Eli Iserbyt has announced his immediate retirement from competition after receiving a conclusive medical diagnosis that prevents him from continuing to practice cycling, both professionally and recreationally. The 28-year-old Belgian rider communicated this personally through a video posted on his social media.

Eli Iserbyt announces his immediate retirement from cyclocross at 28 years old on medical advice

Iserbyt had been suffering from a serious problem in the iliac artery for months, which had already prevented him from starting the winter season. After undergoing three unsuccessful surgeries and completing a new period of absolute rest followed by medical tests, specialists have been clear in telling him that continuing to compete would pose a risk to his health.

 

 

 

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A post shared by Eli Iserbyt (@iserbyteli)

“In recent weeks several doctors have confirmed to me that it is not medically responsible for me to continue riding a bike, not even recreationally,” explains a visibly emotional Iserbyt in his message. A forced, tough, and sudden decision that puts an end to one of the most solid careers in modern cyclocross.

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The retirement comes when Iserbyt was still in the prime of his sporting career. His palmarès is one of the most complete of the last decade: world and European champion in youth categories, elite European champion in 2020, Belgian champion in 2024, and double elite world podium finisher (bronze in 2022 and 2023).

Throughout his professional career, he accumulated 54 victories, as well as two World Cups, two Superprestige titles, and four X2O Badkamers Trofee, establishing himself as one of the most consistent and competitive riders on the winter circuit.

The announcement has generated an immediate wave of supportive messages from teammates and rivals. Mathieu van der Poel and Wout van Aert, major figures in current cyclocross, were among the first to publicly react, showing their support and respect for the decision.

Iserbyt's retirement is a hard blow for Belgian cyclocross and for an entire generation that found in him an tireless, methodical, and always competitive rival.