Swiss cyclist Marlen Reusser, one of the top riders in the
women’s peloton, is currently battling a prolonged illness after contracting
COVID-19. The 33-year-old, who rides for UCI Women’s World Team SD Worx–Protime, suffers from long COVID, which has severely impacted her
ability to train and race.
Reusser, a two-time stage winner at the Tour de France
Femmes (2022 and 2023), has been unable to compete this season due to the
effects of the illness. In an interview with Schweizer Radio und Fernsehen
(SRF), she opened up about her struggle, saying, “I am currently chronically
ill. There are times when things get better, but there are also times when
things get worse. I am not feeling well at the moment. I don't know if I am
afraid, but I am aware of the fact that there are people who will not get
better.”
Long COVID is a condition where symptoms of COVID-19 persist
for weeks or even months after the initial infection. It can affect multiple
organ systems and can leave athletes dealing with fatigue, shortness of breath,
and cardiovascular issues, all of which greatly impair their ability to perform
at a high level. For professional cyclists like Reusser, whose physical
condition is essential to competing, long COVID is especially devastating as it
leaves them unable to maintain the rigorous training and racing schedule
required to stay competitive.
Reusser emphasized the toll the illness has taken on her
career, leaving her sidelined from racing entirely. “It just takes a lot of
patience. For now, the focus is on my health. I have to fully recover first.
The important thing is that I feel healthy again soon,” she added.
The illness has caused her to miss several key events in
2024, including the Olympic Games, the Tour de France Femmes, and the UCI Road
World Championships in her home country of Switzerland. Despite these setbacks,
Reusser remains focused on recovery and is hopeful that she can return to
racing once her health improves.
Reusser’s absence has been felt across the women’s peloton,
as she has consistently been one of the top time trialists and stage race
riders in recent years. Her situation highlights the broader challenges that
long COVID presents for athletes, and her return to the sport will depend
entirely on her recovery.
For now, the cycling world will have to wait patiently for
Reusser’s return as she prioritizes her health over competition.
Fin MajorCycling Journalist
Fin Major is a UK-based writer at CyclingUpToDate and has been part of the team since 2024. He is the site’s main writer for FAQs and evergreen explainers and has written around 2,000 pieces for the platform. Alongside this work, he focuses on in-depth analysis and covers the biggest races on the calendar, including the Tour de France, the Giro d’Italia, and La Vuelta a España, providing clear context around performance trends, tactics, and key storylines.
In his reporting, Fin uses reputable data sources such as ProCyclingStats for results, statistics, and historical context. He places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. Outside of writing, Fin is an active cyclist, which supports his practical understanding of the sport and its demands.
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