Theodor Storm, the Danish Ineos Grenadiers rider, has revealed that he spent a few of 2024 “combating for his life” after contracting a uncommon nervous situation.
The 19-year-old, who joined the WorldTour staff forward of the 2024 season, will now experience for the staff’s new growth accomplice, Lotto Kern-Haus PSD Financial institution, subsequent yr, after recovering from Guillain-Barré syndrome.
Storm by no means rode for Ineos Grenadiers, as he was identified with the situation after the European Monitor Championships final January. Nonetheless, he’s set to make a full restoration, and can be joined at German squad Lotto Kern-Haus PSD Financial institution by fellow younger Dane Peter Øxenberg, who signed for Ineos Grenadiers earlier this yr.
Ineos introduced their hyperlink up with Lotto Kern-Haus in November. On the time, the staff’s efficiency director, Dr Scott Drawer, stated: “Lotto Kern-Haus PSD Financial institution supplies an impressive aggressive surroundings which can give our youngest riders priceless racing expertise. Key riders can be chosen and positioned with the Lotto Kern-Haus PSD Financial institution staff whereas nonetheless being coached and supported by Ineos Grenadiers workers.”
In an Instagram publish, Storm revealed the explanations behind his absence from racing.
“Again in January, I needed to take a step again from biking as a result of, proper after I rode the Madison at European monitor championships, I used to be identified with Guillain-Barré syndrome and needed to spend months within the hospital,” he wrote. “This has been the hardest yr of my life to date, and it’s been troublesome in so some ways. I went from reaching my dream of turning into an expert bicycle owner one second, to combating for my life the subsequent.
“I’ll endlessly be grateful to my household for being there within the hardest of occasions. After all, my thanks additionally exit to Ineos Grenadiers., who’ve supported me via all of this. They completely had my again, even after I wasn’t racing or coaching.
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“Though all of this felt incomprehensible, I really feel fortunate that my restoration has gone so properly and that the docs say will probably be attainable for me to get again to 100% once more,” he continued. “I’m over the worst and again to full coaching, however there’s nonetheless work to be carried out.I’m excited to return to highway racing subsequent season with Lotto Kern-Haus PSD Financial institution. This resolution was made in collaboration with INEOS, and can assist me ease again into racing the correct approach for the long run.
“I’ll nonetheless be attending coaching camps with the Grenadiers and receiving all of the help I would like, however this transfer will permit me to transition again into racing with Lotto Kern-Haus PSD Financial institution. This has been an excellent onerous yr for me, however I can see a vibrant future forward, and I’m excited to take the subsequent step in my restoration in 2025.”
“It is an thrilling second to see Peter and Theodor becoming a member of up with Lotto Kern-Haus PSD Financial institution as our growth partnership continues apace,” Drawer stated this week. “We really consider it may be the right surroundings for each riders to progress and put together for all times within the WorldTour.
“Along with getting that essential racing expertise, the riders may even obtain continuous teaching and help from Ineos Grenadiers efficiency workers all through the method. They’re each excellent younger skills and we’re wanting ahead to cheering on Peter and Theodor subsequent season.”
Øxenberg added: “To have the ability to race and achieve expertise with Lotto Kern-Haus PSD Financial institution, whereas persevering with to work with the efficiency staff on the Ineos Grenadiers, is an ideal state of affairs for a younger rider. It is going to be a priceless step on the highway to turning skilled and I can not wait to get began subsequent season and proceed my growth.”
