"I hear all sorts of things about this disease" - Arnaud De Lie thinks diagnosis over two years ago could be behind 2026 disappointments
Cycling
Arnaud De Lie will look back on his Grand Tour performances in 2026 with regret following his disappointing departures from both the Giro d'Italia and Tour de France. Turning a fresh page next season, the Belgian hopes that a big transfer can help turn around his fortunes.
Illness and injuries have hampered the Belgian's performances in recent seasons. In 2024, he was diagnosed with Lyme's Disease and recovered to take several top ten performances at the Tour de France last season.
However, De Lie's long term fitness was questioned once again after illnesses at both the Giro and Tour saw him abandon the races on stage four and three in a major blow to his season goals.
Winning Famenne Ardennes Classic in May, the Lotto-Intermarche rider suffered from severe gastrointestinal illness which ultimately took its toll at the Corsa Rosa. Although de Lie did pick up a victory at the Tour de Wallonie after the Giro, things were looking up ahead of the Tour. However, once again, the Tour ended in abandonment with illness.
In August, he returned for Renewi Tour and ADAC Cyclassics to take two top tens before a host of uneventful one day races to finish his Lotto stint. He admitted that he began to feel the better of his struggles with illness.
"I'm doing very well. It's a continuation of how I felt towards the end of the season, when I was feeling at my best, even though I didn't manage to add another victory," De Lie told La Dernière Heure.
Arnaud de Lie
De Lie on 2026 Giro and Tour disappointment
Assessing his Giro and Tour disappointment, De Lie believes that he tried to do too much too soon. He also believes that he could be still suffering side effects of Lyme disease. With a winter of change ahead, he's convinced that he can return to his best.
"I think I tried to come back too quickly. I had trained too hard, and it ended up working against me. It's never good to chase lost time.
"I hear all sorts of things about this disease. There are plenty of specialists, but few who really specialise in it. Today, I honestly don't know whether my body is still dealing with side effects. I'm convinced that if I can put these setbacks behind me, I can achieve great results again. But my health is my number one priority."
Joining Tudor after five seasons with Lotto-Intermarche
He leaves Lotto-Intermarche after five seasons with the Belgian team. With the move suiting both parties, he joins Tudor Pro Cycling on a four-year deal. The 24-year-old is excited by the long-term focus of the team and the honesty of his new management.
"They say the grass isn't greener on the other side. I believe what matters is how you nurture it. I feel the need to chase new challenges.
"I was immediately attracted by the long-term vision of Tudor's management. I also felt they had complete confidence in me. What I like about the Swiss is that they don't beat around the bush when they explain something. They're direct."
Gavin QuinnCycling Journalist
Gavin Quinn is a cycling journalist and ultra-distance cyclist with a BA in Journalism from Dublin City University. Formerly the Press & Communications Officer for Cycling Ireland, Gavin has worked inside the national team at the World Championships and has reported for the Irish Mirror, Mirror UK, and The42.
His expertise is backed by elite-level access, having interviewed stars like Sam Bennett and Ben Healy, as well as immense personal endurance. In 2025, he completed a 12,000km solo cycle from Ireland to Vietnam, following a 4,600km tour across Europe. From the cobbles of Paris-Roubaix to the gradients of the Tourmalet, Gavin’s writing focuses on the "romance and brutality" of the sport. Having visited 50+ countries, he brings a global, cultural perspective to his coverage of the pro peloton for CyclingUpToDate.
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