"My worst nightmare has become reality" - Lars van den Berg announces retirement aged just 26 due to heart issues

Sad news for Dutch cycling fans, as Lars van den Berg has been forced to retire from professional cycling at just 26 years old due to heart issues. The Groupama - FDJ rider announced his decision, stating that the risks are simply too great for him to continue.

More than a year has passed since Van den Berg's ordeal with cardiac problems began, when he lost consciousness on the bike and crashed at the Faun Ardèche Classic. That race will now stand as his final professional appearance after four years in the WorldTour peloton.

"My worst nightmare has become reality: after a year of recovery and hard work, I’ve been forced to retire from professional cycling," Van den Berg wrote on Instagram.

The decision came as a major blow, especially after he had spent months working his way back in the hope of returning to racing.

"The news came as a huge shock. This winter, I finally felt like I was rediscovering my form after a long and challenging road back. But after extensive monitoring, my cardiologists have determined that the risks are simply too great. And just like that, my career as a pro cyclist has come to an abrupt and heartbreaking end."

It is an incredibly difficult way for his career to end, especially given the ambitions he still held.

"I can’t quite wrap my head around it yet. After four years in the pro peloton, my childhood dream has been cut short," he continued. "At just 26, I’m left with ambitions I no longer get to chase. No first pro victory, no chance to ride alongside my brother on the same team. That realisation hurts more than I can put into words."

Despite the heartbreak, Van den Berg is trying to focus on the positives, acknowledging the importance of his health and the support he has received.

"But as the shock settles, so does a sense of gratitude. I’m grateful to be here, to be healthy, and to have fought my way back into good shape. That’s something I’ll hold on to and work hard to maintain, while spending time with the people who matter most to me."

While his future remains uncertain, he is determined to move forward with the same energy he brought to cycling.

"In time, I’ll set new goals - and as always, I’ll pour all my energy into reaching them. I don’t know yet where this next chapter will take me, but I’ll keep you updated along the way."

Above all, he wanted to express his gratitude to those who stood by him throughout his career and especially during the challenges of the past year.

"For now, I just want to say thank you. To everyone who has supported me through 20 years of cycling, and especially to those who stood by me during the toughest moments of this past year."

Groupama-FDJ also paid tribute to Van den Berg, praising his contributions to the team over the past four seasons.

"It is with big emotion that we announce that Lars van den Berg is ending his professional cycling career for health reasons," read a post from the team on X. "A linchpin of our team for the past four seasons, Lars has marked our history with commitment, professionalism, and team spirit. Thank you, Lars, for these wonderful years."

His career highlight included riding both the Tour de France and the Giro d’Italia in 2023, finishing 70th in the Tour. Now, his focus will turn to the next chapter of his life, even if it comes far sooner than expected, and we wish him all the best for the future.