Road to recovery begins now for Eli ISerbyt: "The prospects are good, but it remains a long road that I will have to travel"

Eli Iserbyt has undergone major surgery on his femoral artery, a procedure that has left him facing a lengthy and challenging recovery. Speaking to Sporza, the Belgian cyclocross star spoke about the difficulties he is currently experiencing as he begins his rehabilitation to be ready for next year’s cyclocross season.

"When I walk 10 meters, I have to stop for a moment," Iserbyt explained. "Sorry if it takes me a while to answer. I'm not super breathless, but I'll do my best."

The operation lasted approximately 3.5 hours, and according to Iserbyt, it was more extensive than initially expected.

"They spent about 3.5 hours on the operation. It was a major operation," he emphasized. "The doctor said that the narrowing in the femoral artery was even more obvious than on the scans."

The procedure involved work around his abdominal muscles, leaving him in significant discomfort.

"Because they touch a part of your abdominal muscles, I still have pain. I can lie down comfortably, but standing up and walking are difficult. I try to do that a few times a day. I'm not allowed to do much yet and I have to listen to my body. If I walk 10 meters, I have to stop for a moment."

Despite his struggles, Iserbyt remains optimistic about his performances this past season, given the circumstances.

"Looking back, I still played at a high level this season. Of course I expected more, but with the knowledge I now have of the injury, it was still a good season," he reflected.

However, the road back to full fitness will be a long one. He acknowledges that surgery alone will not immediately restore him to peak condition, but remains hopeful based on the experiences of other riders who have undergone similar procedures.

"Now I have a long rehabilitation process ahead of me. It's not that I'm back to 100% because of the operation. Although it has already produced good results for many riders. The prospects are good, but it remains a long road that I will have to travel."

The first stage of recovery will be particularly frustrating, as he must completely rest for six weeks, avoiding any physical activity.

"That’s quite a long time," he admitted. "And a boring life, like that."

Looking further ahead, Iserbyt is targeting a return to competition in July, though he understands this will affect his performance in the upcoming cyclocross season.

"In July I will most likely be able to resume competition. So of course that will have an impact on the upcoming cross season. I am realistic about that. Although I am also hopeful that with a good training plan I will also perform well."