“The doctors haven’t been able to solve it” – Eli Iserbyt’s team boss says Belgian “can do nothing but hope” as injury threatens to end career of cyclocross star

Eli Iserbyt’s season — and possibly his career — hangs in the balance after another crushing injury setback forced the Belgian to stop racing completely. The 28-year-old Pauwels Sauzen–Altez Industriebouw rider has been ordered to take four weeks of full rest, with his future now depending on the outcome of crucial medical tests next month.

Team manager Jurgen Mettepenningen spoke frankly to VTM NIEUWS about the situation, admitting that even the medical experts are struggling to find answers. “The doctors haven’t been able to solve it, so hoping for a natural recovery is all we have left,” Mettepenningen said. “If we don’t get good news in four weeks, then it’s going to be a very difficult story, I think.”

Iserbyt’s latest relapse affects the same leg injury that derailed his early season. After new scans at Ghent University Hospital, he was told to stop all training immediately — effectively wiping out any realistic hope of returning to competition before the end of the winter campaign.

Mettepenningen did not hide his frustration or concern. “It’s sad and unfortunate — for Eli himself, but also for the whole team. We’re back to square one. There will be another check-up in four weeks, and a lot will be decided then,” he explained.

The team boss hinted that Iserbyt’s entire career could hinge on that follow-up examination. “Hopefully we’ll see progress and the blood flow through the femoral artery will have improved. If that’s the case, we can be optimistic and discuss the next step with the doctors. But allow me to be a little pessimistic today.”

Even with European Championships weekend approaching, Mettepenningen conceded that Iserbyt’s 2025-26 cyclocross season is as good as finished. “The scenario where the season is finished is coming very close. There’s no point denying it. I think we can start to draw a line under it.”

While teammate Michael Vanthourenhout targets glory at Sunday’s European Championships in Middelkerke, the Pauwels Sauzen squad’s celebrations — should they come — will be tempered by concern for their sidelined leader.

“The team keeps going, and if we win, there’ll be celebrations — but our thoughts will be with Eli. I think of him as a person, and right now, there’s no consolation for him.”

Iserbyt, one of the most consistent performers in modern cyclocross and a 54-time race winner, now faces the toughest battle of his career — one not fought in the mud, but against time and uncertainty.