Danish Ineos Grenadiers rider Theodor Storm has revealed he spent part of 2024 “fighting for his life” after suffering from a rare neurological condition war”.
The 19-year-old joins the WorldTour team ahead of the 2024 season and will drive for the team’s new development partner Lotto Kern-Haus PSD Bank next year after recovering from Guillain-Barre Syndrome.
Storm has never played for Ineos Grenadiers because he was diagnosed with the disease after the European Athletics Championships last January. However, he will make a full recovery and will join German side Lotto Kern-Haus PSD Bank alongside young Dane Peter Oxenberg, who signed for Ineos Grenadiers earlier this year.
Ineos announced its partnership with Lotto Kern-Haus in November. At the time, the team’s performance director Dr Scott Drawer said: “The Lotto Kern-Haus PSD Bank provides an excellent competitive environment which will provide our youngest drivers with valuable racing experience. Key drivers will be selected and placed at Lotto Kern-Haus The PSD Bank team in Haus remains guided and supported by the Ineos Grenadiers staff.”
In an Instagram postStorm revealed the reason for his absence from the game.
“Back in January I had to quit cycling because just after I competed at the European Athletics Championships in Madison, I was diagnosed with Guillain-Barré syndrome and had to stay in hospital for several months,” he wrote. “This has been the hardest year of my life so far, difficult in so many ways. I went from living my dream of becoming a professional cyclist one moment to fighting for my life the next.
“I will always be grateful to my family for always being there for me during my most difficult times. And of course, I would also like to thank the Ineos Grenadier team who have supported me through it all. They have fully supported me, even when I was down time. Not games or training.
The latest competition content, interviews, features, reviews and expert buying guides, delivered straight to your inbox!
“As hard as it all is to comprehend, I feel lucky that my recovery is going so well and the doctors say it’s possible for me to be 100 percent again,” he continued. “I am over the worst of it and back in full training, but there is still work to do. I am excited to return to road racing next season with Lotto Kern-Haus PSD Bank. This decision has been taken in partnership with INEOS , will help in the long run and I can easily get back into racing the right way.
“I will still be attending the Grenadiers training camp and getting all the support I need, but this move will allow me to get back into the game with Lotto Kern-Haus PSD Bank. It is a very difficult one for me. years, but I can see a bright future and I’m excited to take the next step in my recovery in 2025.”
Drawer said this week: “It’s an exciting time to see Peter and Theodor teaming up with Lotto Kern-Haus PSD Bank as our development partnership continues to grow at a rapid pace. “We firmly believe that this will be a great opportunity for both riders to progress. And the perfect environment to prepare for WorldTour life.
“As well as gaining vital race experience, the riders will receive ongoing guidance and support from the INEOS Grenadiers performance staff throughout the process. They are all fantastic young talents and we look forward to supporting Peter and West next season. Come on Odo.”
Øxenberg added: “Being able to race and gain experience with Lotto Kern-Haus PSD Bank, while continuing to work with the performance team at Ineos Grenadiers, is a perfect scenario for young riders. It will be a valuable step forward.” I can’t wait to start next season and continue my development.”
