Laura Verdonschot is in her final months as a professional cyclist. The 29-year-old cyclocross rider announced on social media that she will retire from racing at the end of the season. Verdonschot still had a contract with De Ceuster Bouwpunt through 2027 but has been struggling with injuries for quite some time.
It all stems from a major surgery Verdonschot underwent earlier this year. The Limburg rider had to abruptly halt her racing plans after the Belgian Cyclocross Championships in Zolder (on January 11) due to blocked pelvic arteries. Verdonschot still managed to finish second at that championship, but clearly with reduced power in her legs. A lengthy operation, lasting four and a half hours, was necessary to provide relief.
After a tough rehabilitation, Verdonschot returned to cyclocross but continued to struggle with the aftereffects of her injury and was unable to reach her desired performance level. Following the recent European Championships in Middelkerke she openly expressed doubts about her future as a rider, and now she has made the difficult decision. The Internationale Sluitingsprijs in Oostmalle, on February 22, 2026, will be the final race of her career.
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"I'm totally not riding at my level," Verdonschot told Het Nieuwsblad. "That makes the decision to stop easier. After the surgeries, this wasn't what I expected. I'm not saying the operation failed, but it wasn't enough for me to ride at the level I want. If I continue without another medical procedure, I won’t be able to play a significant role anymore."
"I don't want to keep riding just to bulk up the group."
"Do I want to keep going like this?" she wonders. "I have to make sure I don't lose myself. I've enjoyed my sport for years, but in recent weeks I keep going home with a bad feeling. And that really saddens me. Am I relieved now? In a way, yes, it was important that I made a decision."
"I know myself that I'm just a subtopper. If my body doesn’t cooperate 100%, I can never compete at the front again. That benefits no one, and muddling along gets me nowhere. I don't want to keep riding just to bulk up the group. I won’t do that to myself, and the team doesn’t benefit from it. They have shown understanding for my situation."
Verdonschot secured several victories in cyclocross during her career, mostly at a slightly lower level, although she also triumphed at the Vestingcross in Hulst (2018) and the Parkcross in Maldegem (2024). She was also runner-up four times in the Belgian National Cyclocross Championships, each time coming up against the formidable Sanne Cant. Verdonschot placed fifth at the last World Championships in Tábor, Czech Republic.
Laura Verdonschot| Year | Team |
|---|---|
| 2026 | |
| 2025 | |
| 2024 | |
| 2024 | |
| 2023 |
