Anna Shackley, a rising talent within the women’s peloton, has been compelled to end her professional cycling career due to a heart condition. The decision follows a series of medical tests which diagnosed Shackley with cardiac arrhythmia back in January. Her team, SD Worx-Protime, stated that subsequent heart screenings conducted at the Maxima Medisch Centrum in Veldhoven, along with further examinations in Barcelona near her hometown, uncovered additional irregularities.
The findings have ultimately deemed that the heart issues are incompatible with the demands of top-level sport. “We are very sorry to see Anna’s cycling career end like this,” said SD Worx-Protime’s sports manager, Danny Stam. “She was one of the bigger talents in the women’s peloton and was making good progress towards the world top.”
Shackley, just 22 years old, has not trained or competed in races since the diagnosis was first made. “It is especially unfortunate for her that she is now forced to stop,” Stam expressed. However, he also noted relief that more severe health complications had been averted. The team is now focusing on supporting Shackley as she transitions back to everyday life.
SD Worx-Protime has requested privacy for Shackley during this period, as she adjusts to these significant life changes.
