The life of Jurgen van Goolen – once a highly promising cyclist and a professional for many years – has looked completely different since May 18, 2025. The Belgian was struck by a brain hemorrhage. There was initial fear for his life, but Van Goolen is now recovering and shares his gripping story in an interview with Sporza.
"I still don’t fully understand what happened. But I do know how things are going now. It’s difficult, but I’m trying to get my life back on track." Just about eight months ago, his life changed drastically in Calpe, Spain, where the former pro cyclist has lived for many years and runs his own bike shop. "I went outside and turned away. It was only after the fall that I suffered the brain hemorrhage."
15% chance of a full life
Van Goolen was immediately rushed to the hospital in Dénia, where he was placed in an induced coma. "Of course, I don’t remember anything from that time, but I heard I stayed in the coma for a long time." After five weeks of uncertainty – doctors at one point gave him only a 15% chance of a full life – Van Goolen recovered better than expected.
"When I woke up, I had to relearn how to speak. The doctors say I’m progressing fairly quickly. I feel it differently though. Maybe it has something to do with my past as a pro rider, or the fact that I still don’t have the same sense of time as before."
Still, the now 45-year-old Van Goolen will never be the same again: due to paralysis symptoms, his vision is impaired. "Often I have to think for a moment before I can speak. [...] I sometimes struggle with it, although I’m also glad to still be here for my children. But I try to look ahead and focus on what’s coming."
In 2002, he came to the professional ranks with strong credentials and high expectations, but partly due to injuries, he never broke through at the very highest level. Van Goolen did, however, spend over ten years in the pro peloton, rode ten Grand Tours, and was selected six times for the Belgian World Championship team. He notched one pro victory: a stage win in the 2011 Route du Sud. He ended his career at the close of 2013.
