Eli Iserbyt's coach reveals reason for World Cup Namur retirement: "It's a nasty injury"

Eli Iserbyt endured a difficult day at the Cyclocross World Cup Namur, which was won by his teammate Michael Vanthourenhout. Representing Pauwels Sauzen - Bingoal, Iserbyt was forced to abandon the race after completing just three laps, following a painful reoccurring injury.

Iserbyt’s team boss, Jürgen Mettepenningen, provided an update on the Belgian rider’s condition after the race to Nieuwsblad.

"He had a lot of pain in his buttock, it's nerve pain," Mettepenningen explained, revealing that the issue is a recurrence of an injury that plagued Iserbyt last season. “It’s a nasty injury,” he added. “It was good for a while, but now he’s having problems again. It’s the same injury as last year. A muscle puts pressure on a nerve and that causes a lot of pain. As long as he can cycle, it’s okay, but once he starts walking, it becomes too much.”

Mettepenningen admitted that there is no immediate solution to the problem, and Iserbyt’s recovery will hinge on ongoing treatment and patience.

"It now has to be treated by the physiotherapist and then we hope for improvement. Hopefully time will turn," said the team boss, underlining the uncertainty of when Iserbyt might be back to full fitness.

This injury comes as a significant blow for Iserbyt, who has been a consistent performer so far this year. The Belgian star now faces the challenge of managing his injury while staying competitive during the busy winter season.