"The biggest goal now is to be able to start that cyclocross season fresh" - Eli Iserbyt recovering from back problems

Eli Iserbyt is currently on the road in Belgium, however with an eye on the coming months as he seeks to return to his best form in time for the beginning of the cyclocross season.

“It was after the end of the cyclocross season that things started to pick up. I may have listened to my body a little too little," Iserbyt told Wielerflits. After a successful cyclocross season, he decided to focus on mountain biking as a test, however it didn't go well as he abandoned the Albstadt round of the XCO World Cup. Back problems have prevented the Belgian from going forward with his plans, and the winter becomes the priority once again now. 

Iserbyt is currently riding the Baloise Belgium Tour with Pauwels Sauzen - Bingoal however without results to show for. “I have absolutely no ambitions, because due to the three weeks of compulsory rest, my condition is on the back burner. I've been down here for a few days. But I definitely need these races in function of my cyclocross season," he said. 

Preparation for the CX season which starts in September is now the priority as Iserbyt aims high once again. “After that comes the Tour d'Alsace and in August a last training camp with Pauwels Sauzen-Bingoal. It's already cross again in mid-September. The biggest goal now is to be able to start that cyclocross season fresh," Iserbyt pointed out. 

The Belgian star admits though that his goals in MTB are still alive, but will have to wait another year: “Do I still have a future in mountain biking? I hope so. Let's wait and see how the back evolves. So far it is going well, but it will continue to follow up well. But I like that discipline and if everything goes as hoped, I will certainly make another attempt in 2023. I definitely want to continue in it if I can," he concluded.