Inge van der Heijden ends cyclocross season due to virus

Inge van der Heijden has sadly had to announce the earlier-than-expected ending to her cyclocross season after battling a virus over the past few weeks.

"Disappointed to tell you that I have to stop my season much earlier than planned," writes the 24-year-old Dutchwoman on her official Instagram account. "We found out that I’m struggling with a virus. Sport at the highest level & health problems don’t go with each other."

"I simply need some rest to come back in full health as soon as possible," continues van der Heijden. "It’s hard to accept, but health comes first."

During her campaign, although she never tasted victory, van der Heijden was a constant threat for the podium, finishing second at the UCI World Cup in Zonhoven. In her last outing she placed 9th at the Cyclocross World Championships in Tabor.