Shocking News in the Cycling World: A Champion Puts Health First and Steps Back from the Peloton
Imagine dedicating your life to pedaling through grueling races, pushing your body to the absolute limit, only to face a health crisis that forces a tough choice. That's the reality for Veronica Ewers, a talented elite cyclist who's making a bold move: stepping away from professional racing ahead of the 2026 season. But here's the kicker—it's not just about quitting; it's a mutual agreement rooted in prioritizing her long-term well-being over the thrill of the competition. And this is the part most people miss: her battle with a condition called Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (RED-S), which has been a silent struggle throughout her career. Let's dive deeper into this story, breaking it down in a way that's easy to understand, even if you're new to the world of elite sports.
For beginners wondering what RED-S is, think of it as a syndrome where athletes don't get enough energy from their diet to match the demands of their training and racing. It's like running your car on fumes—eventually, things break down. Symptoms can include hormonal imbalances, weakened bones, fatigue, and even impacts on mental health. Veronica has been dealing with this for years. During the 2024 season, she took an extended break from cycling to focus on recovery, supported by the EF Education–Oatly team's medical and nutrition experts. They carefully monitored her symptoms, adjusted her training schedules, and provided guidance to help her bounce back. All the while, she remained a dedicated teammate, contributing both on and off the bike despite the challenges.
But here's where it gets controversial: even with all that effort, Veronica's latest bloodwork—conducted by her personal nutritionist before the team's 2026 preseason camp—showed hormonal levels still indicative of RED-S. This led to a joint decision between her and the team to end her contract early. Critics might argue that professional sports often push athletes to their breaking points, questioning if teams are doing enough to prevent such issues in the first place. Is it fair to expect riders to balance high-performance demands with full recovery? Or should the sport's culture shift to put health above podium finishes? Subtly, some might wonder if Veronica's choice highlights a broader problem in cycling, where burnout and overtraining are normalized.
The choice, though, was clear: to give Veronica the space to fully recover without the pressures of a professional contract hanging over her. The team's medical staff, therapists, and dietitians are staying in touch, ready to assist as she takes time away. In her own words, Veronica reflected on the journey: 'The team provided me with recovery time, but sadly, my body hasn't healed completely yet. This is the moment to zero in on my health—otherwise, I'll be trapped in a cycle of partial healing that prevents peak performance or full recovery. To ever compete at the highest level again, I must invest in complete restoration and return as a fully capable athlete.' She added, 'I'm grateful to the team for hearing my concerns and backing my path to reclaiming my vitality.'
EF Education–Oatly's general manager, Esra Tromp, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that rider health is paramount. 'The long-term wellness of our athletes is our utmost priority, which shaped this challenging call,' she stated. 'Veronica has demonstrated remarkable bravery and commitment, and we're here to support her as she concentrates on her health. We look forward to her returning strong soon.' The team extends their best wishes for Veronica's recovery.
If you're grappling with RED-S yourself or know someone who might be, check out Project RED-S (https://explore.efprocycling.com/ProjectRED-S)—it's an excellent hub for information and support on this topic.
What do you think? Is Veronica's decision a courageous stand for athlete health, or does it expose flaws in how sports handle recovery? Should professional teams do more to prevent conditions like RED-S from derailing careers? Share your thoughts in the comments—do you agree, disagree, or have your own stories to tell?
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