'I'm ready to take back control of my future' - Iserbyt explains forced retirement and life after cycling

The two-time UCI Cyclocross World Cup winner announced his retirement on Thursday after he had been informed by doctors that “it’s no longer medically advisable for me to ride my bike recreationally and competitively," following complications with a narrowed iliac artery that the Belgian has had four surgeries trying to correct.

In a press conference in Waregem on Friday, Iserbyt stated, "Today is indeed a day I'd love to fast-forward," in quotes collected by Nieuwsblad.

"It's a difficult moment, but for me it was very important to convey this message to everyone who supported me throughout my career. It gives me a warm feeling to receive and read the many expressions of support," said Iserbyt.

Among those to send their regards to the Belgian included both Mathieu van der Poel and Wout van Aert, plus Iserbyt’s most notable competitor, Tom Pidcock, with whom the Belgian shared many entertaining and fierce battles at the under-23 level and then the elite ranks, following the announcement on social media.

“Sorry to hear this Eli. Thanks for the great battles, wish you well!” commented Pidcock. The duo faced off in under-23 world championships twice, with Iserbyt coming out on top in 2018 in Valkenburg, Netherlands, becoming a two-time world champion at that level, before Pidcock got revenge the following year in Bognese, Denmark. Many more battles in the elite ranks followed.

Iserbyt explained how the difficult decision was not one of choice and was enforced on him for his own health sake. “Cyclocross was my life, and it's not 100% my decision to stop. It's on medical advice. The fact that I couldn't choose how, what, when, and how makes it extra difficult.”

He also reflected on the harsh nature of riding and winning a race for the last time without even knowing in the moment. “I never imagined that last February would have been my last cyclocross race and that I would have achieved my last victory on January 1st of last year.”

The former European and Belgian champion picked up 54 professional wins during his cyclocross career, as well as two overall victories in the Superprestige series and five X2O Trofee triumphs to add to his UCI World Cup success. 

Additionally, Iserbyt also claimed two bronze medals at the World Championships in 2022 in Fayetteville, United States and in 2023 in Hoogerheide, Netherlands. The realisation of his situation was a pretty quick one, with Iserbyt under the impression that he was on track to make a successful return until he began his race preparations.

“The journey, with multiple surgeries, was one of hope. It was only at the last minute, when I was really trying to be race-ready, that things went downhill very quickly. To the point where I really couldn't do it anymore. And then your hope is quickly snatched away and replaced by fear," said Iserbyt. 

"Anything above a heart rate of 100 caused tremendous pain in my leg. We immediately started looking for solutions."

"It's just bad luck. Moreover, surgery on an artery is a very serious procedure. The more you cut into an artery, the worse the tissue becomes. And I've had that surgery four times," explained Iserbyt.

“That fear has become reality. The moment you're told things aren't going to get better, the ground falls away from beneath your feet, and you really rely on your surroundings,” added Iserbyt, who now enters uncharted territory of deciding what he wants to do post his professional-racing career.

“I have no idea what the future holds yet. This is still the time to put everything in perspective, but I'm open to a lot. I'm not losing my character and dedication. I'm convinced I'll find passion in something else. I'm ready to take back control of my future,” said Iserbyt.

Former two-time world champion Niels Albert’s career was also unexpectedly cut short at the age of 28, like Iserbyt in 2014. Following his retirement, Albert made the decision to remain in the sport and was Wout van Aert’s coach during the period when the current Belgian star became a three-time cyclocross world champion. 

For Iserbyt, the feelings are still very raw right now, and the Belgian admitted that he needs to think about whether he wants to also remain in the sport. “The last thing I want is to sit around for too long. It was the same in my career. I always looked ahead, I always had a plan. Now there's no plan, but I hope to look ahead,” said Iserbyt. 

“Right now, it's very difficult for me to imagine doing anything in cyclocross, but once the storm has calmed down a bit, maybe it's possible. I'm someone who's open to a lot of things. I also had my studies in the past, which I was very interested in.”