Rebecca Henderson returns to Australia and withdraws from the World Cup in Andorra: "I knew I had to do something"

Rebecca Henderson will not be at the next XCO World Cup event in Andorra. The Australian rider from the Orbea Factory Team has made the decision to return home and prioritize her physical and mental recovery, in a season full of ups and downs.

Bec Henderson takes a break to come back stronger

Henderson started 2025 with excitement, debuting with Orbea and becoming the national champion of XCO and Short Track in Australia. However, an injury in that same competition left her out of the start of the World Cup in Brazil. Despite this, she made a strong comeback in Nove Mesto, where she finished in a brilliant fifth position in the XCO race after fighting for the podium.

From there, problems have once again complicated her path. In Leogang, she had to retire due to gastrointestinal issues, and in Val di Sole, visibly affected, she could only finish in 27th place. After this last result, Henderson traveled to Andorra to prepare for the next race... but something changed.

"I had that moment of clarity while training on Monday and I knew I had to do something," she confessed on her social media. "After talking to my coach, the team, and a close friend, 24 hours later I was already flying back home from Barcelona."

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The decision has been made with a clear mind. "With the stomach problems I've been dealing with since Leogang, it doesn't make sense to keep pushing my body, competing at altitude, and continue to harm myself before fully recovering."

Despite the difficulties, Henderson reaffirms her level: "In Nove Mesto I finished fifth, and that reminded me that I still have what it takes to be there. The fire was still burning to fight for the podium in Leogang and Val di Sole."

However, the accumulation of obstacles has weighed more: "Very little return for so much work and sacrifice. Mental health, injuries, illnesses... enough is enough!"

With experience and maturity, the Australian opts for a short break that allows her to reset and prepare for the second part of the season with better feelings. "Sometimes what seems like giving up is simply patience, perseverance, and determination. It's a strange feeling, now I have to deal with the guilt of taking care of myself instead of pushing through."

Rebecca Henderson does not give up. She is clear: "I have tasted what it's like to be back at the front in the World Cup, and I will keep fighting to be there again."

The Australian takes a break, but promises to come back stronger.