Veronica Ewers has decided to say goodbye to cycling and did so by publishing an intense and dramatic letter on her Instagram profile.
"A few weeks ago, I received blood test results showing that my hormone levels were still almost non-existent. I had the opportunity to take half a season in 2024 to focus on recovery and returned in 2025 hoping to continue my recovery journey while training and racing.
To be honest, the contradictory choice of trying to race while recovering hormones was quite frustrating (to say the least). Trying to run, which physically I couldn't do until my hormones stabilized: it was like banging my head against a wall.
I sat down with my nutritionist to review the results and found myself devastated. I found myself facing two options: continue doing what I was doing or focus on complete recovery and then on performance.
I decided to pursue the latter path and therefore will not continue to train/race in 2026. I have abused my body for too long, well before entering the world of cycling. Even though I improved my eating habits, it wasn't enough. My body needs a complete reset before it can be at its best. I'm tired of being mediocre. And above all, in life I want to continue doing hikes, bike rides, running...
I thank EF Education Oatly for the collaboration, understanding, and support. My goal is to return someday and show the world what I'm capable of in a functional body. For now, I'll focus on healing.
If you're interested in reading my very raw story, feel free to take a look at my Substack".
And on Substack, the thirty-one-year-old American adds: "I haven't had a cycle since 2014. My bones are weak. I spent 2024 and 2025 trying to heal after the damage I caused to my body in the last decade, but it didn't work. This is obviously not the news I wanted to share. I don't know who I'll be in my 'non-athlete' version. But I'm sure I won't let that demon consume me again. I suffered for the person I was before this demon entered my life. I wish I could be her again; be the less 'consumed' Veronica inside."