Iserbyt not present in Gavere due to persistent nerve pain: "It's mentally tough to be on the sidelines"
Cyclo-cross
Eli Iserbyt's physical problems persist. The Belgian champion of Pauwels Sauzen—Bingoal will not compete in the World Cup cyclocross in Gavere. His body is still playing tricks on him, and a tough race like Gavere is not a realistic option.
Iserbyt had an off day Monday at the cyclo-cross in Mol, where he finished 19th, more than five minutes behind winner Mathieu van der Poel. A few days ago, He released a statement saying he has been suffering from Piriformis syndrome, a condition that causes nerve pain in his left leg, for two years. This condition hinders him during races and significantly affects his performance.
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Mentally and physically tough weeks for Iserbyt
"The cyclo-cross of Mol was an all-time low," Iserbyt told HLN. "I felt during the race that I had reached my limit, and my body had not recovered from the races in Hulst and Zonhoven. It was more like playing around than really racing. It's sad to have to ride a race like that."
After the disappointing performance in Mol, Iserbyt underwent additional tests in the hospital on Tuesday. Unfortunately, those did not provide any new insights. That is why some extra rest is now required. "A choice with pain in my heart. Gavere is close to my home door and a beautiful race. I wanted to ride there, which is also why I waited so long to decide, but with this condition of my body, it is not appropriate to start on such a tough course with many running passages."
The situation bothers Iserbyt not only physically but also mentally. "I am tired, and mentally, it is very difficult to be on the sidelines for a while, but by not competing, I want to save myself from more disappointments."
The World Cup cross in Besançon on Sunday will be his next race for now. "But only on Friday will I decide whether to participate. I want to start in Baal on January 1. I'm still the leader in the X2O trophy, and I want to defend my ranking there as best I can," Iserbyt concluded.
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Latest Comments
- Well explained, thanks for the clarity! Daniel DantasDanieldantas20-12-2024
- This is the kind of 'news' that belongs in a cheap tabloid. No matter how boring the offseason gets, nobody wants to read this.
santiagobenites19-12-2024 - I wish we could have seen him try. He'd absolutely get dropped before Pogi overtakes his domestiquesVeganpotter10-12-2024
- Talk is cheap! Next year barring crashes with a healthy team... all well be on track! Some need to talk to make a headline!mootman27-11-2024
- I do not see this event listed on HBO Max Sports Online? Can anyone confirm? Thanks!
MrYuck23-11-2024 - It seemed that he was focusing forward at the time of the crash, after seeing a quick video snippet. But one thing I think he should focus on more intently is breaking a bad habit he has, right now. And that is his constant looking over his shoulders. He does that so much, that I am very sure it is not good for him. Simply watch videos of the greats of CX and you will see very little of that constant looking over their shoulders. That is a behavior that betrays a bit of insecurity on his part. He shouldn't be so concerned, incessantly, about what is over his shoulder. He needn't worry they didn't all disappear. He neds to keep his focus more ahead of himself, and he needs to pay a bit more attention to himself, in a confident manner. It is very frustrating to watch, because it is apparent that he has a lot of potential, and is in much better shape thwan many of his competitors, but the mental game needs to be sharpened more, because that part of strategy plays a huge part in the final results
reemmo022-11-2024 - hahahaha love this shit! I didnt even watched the race, but reading all the gossip articles of how stupid this is!Zatoichi19-11-2024
- Van Aert is really handsome. He can influence me all day! Ditto for Philipsen. Why do you think many of us love cycling?: to see heroic attempts at climbing mountains at high altitudes or to watch speedsters sprint for the finish line or to watch a human being ride at break neck speed down a tricky descent? No, it's all about their lean physiques and muscular legs. (apologies for objectifying these dedicated and amazing athletes).BarwonHeadsUp25-10-2024
- It is unfortunate that the author can't feel the joy that Pogacar brings to the sport and his fans who are legion and I for one feel lucky to have watched such a memorable performance and historic season From the Strada until yesterday with multiple wins in stages in both tours and beyond dominance in the World's. He is proud to wear the Rainbow stripes, shows his leadership to protect his fellows and is as courteous and sportsman-like as the sport allows. He goes early to not have to respond to each attack as all the rest would make him do it. Any racer who could would do the same. Don't "grow tired" of greatness as it is always fleeting.ccrider13-10-2024
- What load of rubbish. Pog is likely a once in a generation cyclist, the like of which hasn't been seen since 'the Cannibal '. How many people were complaining that Merckx was making racing predictable? I remember this year's World RR as one of the most exciting I've watched. Mainly BECAUSE Pog was the favourite and launched what everyone thought (Pog included) was a suicidal attack with 80km to go. For the next 2 hours, I was on the edge of my seat thinking "this is too much, even for Pog". Maybe Zonnefeld prefers the snooze-fest that is a bunch sprint? Like most people I know, I can't watch two hours of the bunch riding very fast... I wait for the final 5km and watch just the sprint. In any event, most races are won from a sprint or lone break. What difference does it make who makes the lone break? Ultimately, the other contenders will have to figure out a way to beat Pog. Even if that means collaboration between teams. It's going to be an exciting few seasons, until the next Pog arrives on the scene. If this is boring, heaven knows what exciting looks like!Michael513-10-2024