Maaike Boogaard has revealed that she is facing a prolonged spell off the bike after being diagnosed with a flow limitation of the iliac artery – a condition that has increasingly come to light in professional cycling. The Dutch rider, who joined VolkerWessels Cycling Team Women for the 2025 season, confirmed the news via social media after several weeks away from racing while trying to understand a persistent drop in performance.
“I wasn’t able to properly do my efforts anymore while struggling with fatigue symptoms,” Boogaard explained. “Finally I got the answer I was looking for: a flow limitation of the iliac artery.”
The condition, which restricts blood flow to the legs during high-intensity exercise, often emerges gradually and can mimic training fatigue or loss of form. For Boogaard, it’s brought an abrupt halt to what was meant to be a revitalising season with her new team. There are no quick fixes; surgical intervention is required, followed by a lengthy recovery period.
“Not how I planned my 2025 season… Being fully motivated to rock this year with my team is put on hold for now. But we will be back, for sure.”
Boogaard now joins a growing list of riders who’ve been diagnosed with similar vascular issues, including Amanda Spratt, Sarah Gigante, Amber van der Hulst and Shirin van Anrooij. The condition has also affected some of the sport’s biggest names – Marianne Vos and Pauline Ferrand-Prévot have both undergone successful surgery in past seasons, while others like Erica Magnaldi, Tayler Wiles, Hanna Nilsson and Laura Verdonschot have faced similar interruptions.
The diagnosis offers a clear path forward, but also resets expectations for the rest of the season. Boogaard says she is now focusing on the months ahead, preparing mentally and physically for surgery and what will follow.
“Now taking time to prepare myself for the period coming, the surgery and the recovery afterwards. Can’t thank my team enough for their support and especially my loved ones surrounding me with love and support.”
A return date hasn’t yet been set, but the 25-year-old is determined to make a full comeback once the medical side is resolved. For now, the focus is on healing and returning to the sport with the strength to race at her full capacity once more.
