Eli Iserbyt joins Tadej Pogacar's agency and "happy" in new role after Cyclocross career cut short

Eli Iserbyt enjoyed a successful Cyclocross career, winning the Cyclocross World Cup twice as well being crowned European champion. He was forced into an early retirement at the age of 28 earlier this year due to complications from a narrowed iliac artery, but has now found an intriguing new role in the sport.

The Belgian, with 54 pro victories in the mud, has signed with A&J All Sports - known for a famous list of clients including reigning Tour de France champion Tadej Pogacar and Isaac Del Toro - and is pinned to offer his guidance to the agency's clients during the winter season.

Léo Bisiaux, Sara Casasola, Fleur Moors and Silvia Persico front the agency's most high-profile clients that race cyclocross, and it's hoped that Iserbyt can offer his expertise in the role of cyclocross co-ordinator.

"With his experience at the highest level of world cyclocross, Eli will play a key role in supporting and developing our athletes throughout the winter season,” A&J All Sports said on Instagram.

Cyclocross fans will be pleased to see Iserbyt's continued involvement in the sport, after he underwent four surgeries in his bid to recover from his iliac artery complications that led to him hanging up the cleats.

Iserbyt said a focus on the next generation offers great motivation: "I am happy that I can stay in the world of cyclocross and pass on my experience. Supporting athletes and contributing to their development gives me energy."

Regarded as one of the top cyclocross riders of the past several years, he also two overall victories in the Superprestige series and five X2O Trofee triumphs on top of his UCI World Cup successes.

He came close to wearing the World Championships rainbow jersey in Fayetteville, USA back in 2022, finishing third place and taking a bronze medal as rival Tom Pidcock claimed a gold medal.