Canadian rider Nadia Gontova has revealed that she recently underwent surgery to repair a narrowing in her external iliac artery, bringing an early end to her 2025 season.
The 25-year-old shared the news on Instagram, explaining that the issue caused a sudden and severe loss of power and pain in her left leg during the final races of the season.
“Not how I planned to spend my off-season this year,” she wrote. “At the end of the season I suddenly began experiencing power loss and pain in my left leg. It progressed quickly and unfortunately made me cut my season short, including missing what would have been my first World Championships. Even riding easy became a challenge and no matter how hard I tried I couldn’t push through it, which was incredibly tough to accept.”
Photo Credit: Sprint Cycling AgencyGontova confirmed that the problem was identified quickly and treated with surgery this week. “Luckily I was able to get to the bottom of what was wrong quickly and had surgery yesterday to patch a narrowing in my external iliac artery. This is a curveball I really didn’t see coming and it wasn’t easy coming to terms with the situation. I am relieved the surgery went well and I can start the recovery process.”
Despite the setback, Gontova remains optimistic about the future and thanked her support network. “This period makes me grateful for having such amazing family, friends and supporters who helped me navigate this difficult time. I’m looking forward to being back at my best in 2026 with two working legs again.”
Gontova’s recovery will coincide with a major step in her career, as she prepares to move into the Women’s WorldTour with Liv AlUla Jayco on a two-year contract beginning next season.
The Canadian enjoyed an impressive 2025 campaign before her health problems emerged, taking second overall at the Tour Féminin International des Pyrénées, third at the Alpes Grésivaudan Classic and on the time trial podium at the Canadian National Championships. She also completed the Tour de France Femmes with a top-10 finish on stage 9.
Her consistency and climbing ability made her one of the standout riders outside the WorldTour this season, and her signing with Liv AlUla Jayco was seen as a deserved reward for that progress.
Gontova is expected to begin rehabilitation immediately, with the goal of returning to full training early in 2026.
