Eli Iserbyt Tribute Photo Gallery: In January this year, Belgian cyclocross rider Eli Iserbyt had to announce his early retirement from the sport. Iserbyt had a very successful career in the mud, photographer John Thomson witness many of his top rides and has put together this tribute to one of the best crossers.
As a junior, he won the silver medal at the 2015 cyclocross World Championships. He won the gold medal in the men’s under-23 at the 2016 cross championships in Heusden-Zolder and then repeated his victory in the 2017 UEC European cross champs in Tábor. In 2018 he took the gold medal again in the under-23 event at the World Championships in Valkenburg. In the professional ranks he was one of the few riders who could battle with the top riders; Van der Poel, Van Aert and Pidcock. In February 2025, Iserbyt had surgery to a groin artery, and despite attempts to fix the circulation problems and nerve compression on his hip, he announced his retirement on the 8th of January 2026 at the age of 28. His doctors told him that it was “medically no longer responsible” for him to continue cycling, “recreationally, sportively, and at a high level”.
*** You can see the full archive of John Thomson’s photo galleries HERE. ***
John Thomson: With the Cobbled Classics coming up, what better time for a cyclocross gallery. Paying homage to Eli Iserbyt, a certified cross legend who was forced to call time on a brilliant career. Also Tom and Lars, two absolute top crossers heading into retirement and good news for the fast men in Abu Dhabi in 2028.
Eli got a podium finish behind Mathieu and Wout at the 2023 Hoogerheide Worlds
Cornering at Overijse in 2019
As U23 World Champion at Overijse in 2016
At Mol in 2023
The European Championships at Namur in 2022
Riding a sticky course at the GP Mario De Clercq in 2019
Winning at Ruddervoorde in 2022
At the Scheldecross Antwerpen in 2023
A podium behind Mathieu and Tom at Diegem in 2023
Battling at Namur in 2023
2nd behind Lars at the 2022 Koppenbergcross
As U23 World Champion winning at Essen in 2016
A podium finish at Maasmechelen in 2022
At Overijse in 2019 with his fan club
At Overijse in 2016
Eli was fortunate and unfortunate to ride in the era of the greatest of all time
Another absolute top crosser. The Ice Man Tom Meeusen is for sure calling time on his pro cross career
Lars van der Haar calling time on a great cross career. Here winning the 2022 Koppenbergcross as European Champion
Jasper, Jonathan and Tim will have an eye on the 2028 Abu Dhabi World Championships!
*** Stay PEZ for John Thomson’s next big photo gallery. ***
The post Good Bye Eli Iserbyt – Photo Gallery appeared first on PezCycling News.
