De Buyst suffers from post-covid asthma: "I could lose 35% of my lung capacity"

Jasper De Buyst didn't have a stellar individual season last year. The 31-year-old Belgian is about to begin his 11th season with Lotto but had to face a significant setback in 2024: he is battling post-Covid asthma. This condition could have a considerable impact on the remainder of his professional career.

Last season, De Buyst's results were far below expectations, and the reason became clear afterward. "I struggled with a lot of health problems in 2024," he told Sporza. "In hindsight, it turned out that I had developed post-Covid asthma." The condition, which arose after a coronavirus infection, could be a major obstacle. "Tests revealed that I might lose 35% of my lung capacity. That’s quite extreme, but it doesn’t necessarily mean the end of my career."

The Belgian sprinter now relies on medication. "I have to use inhalers daily, like any other asthma patient." De Buyst isn’t alone in this battle, as several other riders in the peloton face similar challenges, proving it’s possible to continue performing at the highest level. "Of course, I'm not the only rider in the peloton with asthma. But it’s something that has been added to the mix, and we’re actively working on finding the right dosage."

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De Buyst is a loyal domestique of Belgian Champion Arnaud De Lie

De Buyst will remain an important pawn in the spring and sprint train

De Buyst is considered one of the most vital domestiques for the spring classics, and his role in the sprint train is invaluable. This year will be no different. "I will most likely ride the classics again, primarily in support of Arnaud De Lie. I want to assist him for as long as possible." The Belgian champion has set his sights on Milan-San Remo as a major goal. Additionally, De Buyst will compete in a grand tour again, his first since the Tour de France in 2023. He is eager to return to France. "Unlike last year, I will most likely ride the Tour. I wasn't present last year because my daughter was born then." For sure it won't be the Giro d'Italia: Lotto will skip the Italian Tour.

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