After graduating high school, Rune Herregodts had the possibility too pursue a professional career. However, he chose to follow his passion for cycling.
Navigating a crossroads, Herregodts considered studying physiotherapy or medicine. Choosing the latter, he ultimately left medical school to pursue a professional cycling career.
He soon realized the challenge of balancing a high-level athletic career with the demanding academic requirements of medicine.
“Looking back, physiotherapy would have been easier to combine with cycling.A two-year internship in medicine makes it impossible when you’re constantly away. That’s why I left my studies in 2022,” he explained in an interview with Wieler Revue.
Herregodts doesn’t rule out returning to his studies in the future, but acknowledges that it will depend on the duration of his cycling career.Perhaps surprisingly, Herregodts never felt pressured to become a professional cyclist.
“I thought: I’ll be a doctor anyway, and if I’m lucky, I’ll be a professional cyclist,” he admitted.
Interestingly, his academic background has positively impacted his cycling career.
“I’ve learned to read scientific articles and distinguish pseudoscience from well-founded science. It’s not necessarily indispensable for a cyclist in the WorldTour, but I enjoy delving into it. In my years at Sport Vlaanderen-Baloise, I relied more on myself when it came to altitude or heat training,” he shared.
At his current team, Intermarché-Wanty, he maintains a constant dialog with the team doctor, although conversations primarily focus on training systems in different countries rather than specific sports medicine topics.Herregodts’ story is a reminder that decisions can be arduous, but pursuing your dreams can be rewarding, even if it means departing from a conventional path like medicine.
How dose Rune Herregodts apply his medical school knowledge to his cycling training?
Interview: Rune Herregodts on Choosing Cycling Over Medicine
Time.news Editor: Rune, you faced a notable decision after high school—pursuing a career in medicine or following your passion for cycling. What ultimately guided your choice?
Rune herregodts: It was a tough crossroads for sure.I had aspirations to become a doctor, but as I transitioned into professional cycling, I realized that balancing a demanding athletic career with medical studies was incredibly challenging. I chose cycling because it’s my passion, even though I know physiotherapy might have been easier to combine with my cycling commitments.
Time.news Editor: You mentioned leaving medical school in 2022 due to these challenges.How did your academic background influence your approach to cycling?
Rune Herregodts: My time in medical school taught me valuable skills, especially in reading and understanding scientific articles. This has helped me distinguish between pseudoscience and credible research, which is critically important in a sport where misinformation can be rampant. While it’s not conventional wisdom for a cyclist in the WorldTour, I enjoy digging into this knowledge. During my time with Sport Vlaanderen-Baloise, I really took charge of my training, focusing on techniques like altitude and heat training.
Time.news Editor: That insight into scientific literature must give you an edge in optimizing your performance. How do you integrate this knowledge into your training with your current team,Intermarché-Wanty?
Rune Herregodts: At Intermarché-Wanty,I maintain a constant dialog with the team doctor. While our discussions aren’t always centered on specific sports medicine topics,we often explore training systems from various countries. This collaboration encourages a greater understanding of how science can influence our training methodologies.
Time.news Editor: Looking back, do you have regrets about leaving the medical field? Would you consider returning to your studies in the future?
Rune Herregodts: I don’t have regrets per se; I view it as a different path. I acknowledge that returning to my studies would depend on the longevity of my cycling career. The door isn’t closed, but for now, the focus remains on cycling, which I truly love.
Time.news Editor: You seemed to juggle two demanding fields. What advice would you offer young athletes grappling with similar choices between academic ambitions and athletic dreams?
Rune Herregodts: I would say to honestly evaluate what drives you. Passion is vital in any profession, be it sports or medicine. If you choose the less conventional route, like I did, be prepared for challenges but also embrace the rewards that come with pursuing your dreams. Make informed decisions based on your long-term goals and what truly excites you.
Time.news Editor: Thank you,Rune,for sharing your unique journey and insights. Your story is inspiring for many who face similar decisions in their careers.
Rune Herregodts: Thank you for having me! I hope my experiences can help others navigate their paths.