At just 26 years old, Lars van den Berg (Groupama-FDJ) has been forced to retire from professional cycling due to heart complications. After extensive medical evaluations, cardiologists determined that continuing to race posed significant health risks. Van den Berg shared the news on Instagram on Thursday, marking the end of his career more than a year after first experiencing cardiac issues, which led to him losing consciousness and crashing at the Faun Ardèche Classic, his final professional race after four seasons in the WorldTour peloton.
In an emotional statement, Van den Berg expressed his devastation, saying, “My worst nightmare has become reality.” After a year of recovery and training, he had hoped to return to form, but medical assessments made it clear that the risks were too high. The decision to retire was a difficult one, as he had yet to achieve key milestones, such as winning his first professional race or competing on the same team as his younger brother, Marijn, who rides for EF Education-EasyPost.
Despite the heartbreak, Van den Berg also acknowledged his gratitude for his health and the support he received throughout his career. “As the shock settles, so does a sense of gratitude,” he said, vowing to set new goals and embrace the next chapter of his life.
His team, Groupama-FDJ, paid tribute to him in a heartfelt message, recognizing his contributions over the past four seasons and thanking him for his dedication. Van den Berg joins a growing list of riders who have had to retire prematurely due to heart issues, including Anna Shackley of SD Worx and former Paris-Roubaix winner Sonny Colbrelli.
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