Euskaltel Euskadi rider forced to retire at just 26 due to medical issues

Euskaltel - Euskadi's 26-year-old, Spanish rider, Iker Ballarin has sadly been forced into a premature retirement due to medical reasons.

"Iker Ballarín will not continue being a professional cyclist next year," says an announcement on the team's official social media pages. "After four seasons with the team, Iker was diagnosed with a problem in his left leg in August and will not be able to get on a bicycle again."

"Iker became professional with the @LABORALkTeam , where he stood out for his climbing skills, which have allowed him to wear the orange jersey for four seasons. Combative and fighter, he has always been at the service of his companions," concludes the post. "We wish you the best in the future, Iker."