He became 4th at the Paris Roubaix.
Tom Devriendt leaves him at 33.
The illness that led him to retire: “I went to the bathroom 12 times a day”
Tom Devriendt
It ruined his career
“I was in bed for 12 days straight,” said Tom Devriendt, a rider for the Q36.5 Pro Cycling Team who spoke about his retirement and the illness that forced him to leave professional cycling.
Devriendt announced his retirement from professional cycling at the age of 33. The Belgian rider,known for his excellent performances in the classics,particularly in Paris-Roubaix,revealed in an interview with Sporza that mental and physical health problems have accompanied him for the last two years,seriously affecting his performances.
In 2022 he finished Paris-Roubaix in fourth place after leading the race for over 30 kilometres. According to the Belgian, the health problems worsened in the winter of 2023, when he suffered inexplicable and extreme weight loss. “I suddenly lost a huge amount of weight. My fat percentage was down to 4%,” he said. The situation became worrying at that year’s Vuelta a Valencia, when, despite the mild 17 degree conditions, Devriendt began to feel that his body was no longer responding as it had before. “I needed a benefit as I was cold. It’s strange, because as a classics rider I’ve always tolerated the cold well,” he explained.
“After the Amstel Gold Race I went straight to bed to rest. Then the stomach problems started. For 8 months I had to go to the bathroom day and night, 10 to 12 times a day,” Devriendt said. “After the GP Monseré I stayed in bed for 12 consecutive days. “I really couldn’t do anything anymore,” he confessed. “I didn’t ride for three days before the Tour as I was afraid of not reaching the finish line in Oudenaarde,” he explained.
The diagnosis
“I was completely exhausted and empty, my whole body was out of balance. “I can barely put that feeling into words, it was like my soul was leaving my body,” he recalled. In one of the interview’s harshest confessions, Devriendt revealed the emotional and psychological suffering he experienced during this phase of his career. “When I wanted to go home after the Tour, I sat in the car with my eyes closed for a while. “I was afraid I wouldn’t go home,” he explained.
“A lot of runners say it will be difficult to stop racing, but for me it’s really a liberation,” he admitted, relieved to leave behind a career that had been marked by constant struggle with his health. “I’m still sorry for missing the podium due to a mistake in the sprint. Even though I don’t dwell on it too much,” he commented,acknowledging that this was one of the biggest frustrations of his career.
He was eventually diagnosed with Crohn’s disease, a chronic inflammatory condition of the intestines that causes problems with the digestive tract.
Fernando Estupiñán
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What inspired Tom Devriendt to pursue a career in professional cycling?
Interview: Time.news Editor with Tom Devriendt
Editor: Welcome, Tom. First off, thank you for taking the time to speak with us. Your journey through professional cycling has captivated many, especially your recent finish of 4th in the Paris-Roubaix. Can you take us through that experience and what it meant for you?
Tom Devriendt: Thank you for having me! Finishing 4th in Paris-Roubaix was one of the highlights of my career. It’s such an iconic race, steeped in history and characterized by it’s grueling conditions. Being close to the podium was a proud moment for me, showcasing my efforts and dedication to the sport.
editor: It’s fantastic to hear. Though, your announcement to retire at just 33 was surprising to many fans. Can you share what led to that decision?
Tom devriendt: Absolutely. Unfortunately, my retirement was not a choice I made lightly. I fell ill and experienced some serious health issues. At my worst, I found myself going to the bathroom 12 times a day. It became increasingly difficult to train and compete at the level required for professional cycling.
Editor: That sounds incredibly challenging. Can you elaborate on how that illness impacted your training and ultimately your performance?
Tom Devriendt: Of course. It completely derailed my routine. I was in bed for 12 days straight, and when you’re an athlete, especially in a sport as demanding as cycling, being away from your training regimen can take its toll. I tried to return to the bike, but the health issues persisted; it was like fighting an uphill battle.Ultimately, I had to prioritize my health over my competitive ambitions.
Editor: That’s incredibly admirable. It’s never easy to walk away from something you’ve dedicated so much of your life to. Looking back, how do you feel about your time in professional cycling?
Tom Devriendt: I feel grateful. Cycling has given me so many amazing experiences, friendships, and memories. Despite the difficulties I faced, I have fulfilled many of my dreams, like participating in the classics and racing alongside some of the best in the world. I will always cherish those moments, even if my career didn’t end the way I envisioned.
Editor: What’s next for you,now that you’ve retired from professional cycling? Do you have any plans for the future?
Tom Devriendt: Right now,I’m focusing on my recovery and taking a step back to reflect on my next steps. I’m considering getting involved in coaching or mentoring younger riders,sharing my experiences and passion for the sport.I want to stay connected to cycling in some capacity.
Editor: That sounds inspiring! I’m sure many young cyclists would benefit from your insights. Before we wrap up, what message would you want to share with your fans and aspiring athletes out there?
Tom Devriendt: To all the fans and aspiring athletes, never underestimate the importance of health—both physical and mental. It’s okay to face challenges and setbacks; they are part of the journey. Focus on your passion, keep pushing forward, and remember that it’s not just about winning, but how you grow through the process.
Editor: Thank you, Tom. Your story is a testament to resilience, and I’m sure it will inspire many. We wish you the best in your recovery and your future endeavors!
Tom Devriendt: Thank you! I appreciate the support.
