The roar of the peloton has fallen silent for Veronica Ewers, at least for now. After seven years dedicated to the demanding world of professional cycling and four seasons battling in the elite ranks, the American powerhouse has announced a meaningful break from the sport. This decision, revealed on Instagram, stems from alarming blood test results that paint a stark picture of the toll elite competition can take on an athlete’s body.

Ewers, who secured an notable fourth place in the 2023 Giro d’Italia Donne, shared the critical findings: “Several weeks ago, I received the results of my blood tests wich showed that my hormone levels were still almost non-existent.” This revelation led to a tough choice: a planned half-season break in 2024 to focus on recovery,with the hope of returning in 2025. However, the path forward proved more complex than anticipated.

The reality of her physical state meant that continuing to train and compete simultaneously was not a viable option. Ewers has now decided to halt all training in 2026, acknowledging a harsh truth about her dedication. “I got myself into a dead end by mistreating my body for too long,” she admitted. While she had made strides in improving her diet and eating habits, it wasn’t enough to counteract the cumulative effects of years of intense training and competition. Her body,she explained,requires a complete reset to regain optimal function. The frustration of feeling “mediocre” is overshadowed by a more profound concern: the desire to maintain an active lifestyle long into the future. “And most importantly, I want to hike, bike, and run when I’m older,” she stated, highlighting the long-term implications of her current health status.

This situation brings the critical issue of RED-S,or relative Energy Deficit in Sport,into sharp focus. This phenomenon, which involves insufficient energy availability for optimal physiological function, has been a growing concern in endurance sports, particularly in women’s cycling, and was a topic of discussion during the recent Tour de France Femmes.Ewers candidly detailed the consequences she’s experienced on her Substack blog, revealing a disturbing pattern of health issues:

“I haven’t had my period since 2014, my bones are fragile, my digestive system is failing.”

Veronica Ewers

These are not minor inconveniences; they are serious health red flags that necessitate immediate and thorough intervention. The absence of menstruation (amenorrhea) in female athletes is a well-documented symptom of RED-S, often linked to low bone density and increased fracture risk, much like Ewers has experienced. Digestive issues can also be a outcome of the body prioritizing essential functions over non-essential ones, like digestion, when energy is scarce.

For Ewers, the only viable solution to attempt to regain physical balance is this career hiatus.