10 seasons at the highest level, then stop. Belgian cyclist Tom Devriendt was forced to end his career at the age of 33 after months of suffering on the bike. Affected by Crohn's disease since the end of 2022, Devriendt never managed to return to his best level, symbolized by a fine 4th place in Paris-Roubaix 2022.
“A liberation”
Victim of stomach cramps and a sudden weight loss, Tom Devriendt was diagnosed in the winter of 2022. Despite treatment, supposed to make him return to competition in early 2023, the runner will spend 8 complicated months, more in line with his daily life of a high-level athlete. “I came back from the Amstel Gold Race and the stomach problems started. For 8 months, I had to go to the toilet day and night, 10 to 12 times a day” commented the 33-year-old runner for Belgian media Sporza. After a blank 2024 season, the rider is retiring, meaning relief for him.
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“Many runners say it is difficult to end your career. But to me it really feels like a liberation. I got the best out of my career with 2 victories and some great places of honor” he concludes.
