Belgian top talent hangs up his bike at just 24: 'I became afraid of everything'

Orins was known as one of the best riders in the U23 category. In 2023, he finished third in the U23 Paris-Roubaix, and he repeated that feat a year later. He also placed second in Liège-Bastogne-Liège that year and became the Belgian time trial champion.

He also finished fifth at the World Time Trial Championships in Zurich and fourth at the European Time Trial Championships on home soil.

After two years with the Lotto Dstny development team, he signed his first professional contract there in 2025. But by then, the young Belgian was already struggling mentally. He began suffering from panic attacks and rarely went outside. “I became afraid. Of everything, but especially of myself. I didn’t even have the energy to ride my bike. I had lost my joy in the sport.”

With the help of his team, he returned to racing in July 2025. But it wasn’t the same anymore. The results didn’t come, and he didn’t feel any better.

Orins last competed at the Belgian Championships, where he finished 43rd in the road race and 13th in the time trial. Now, four months later, he announced on Instagram that he is retiring from cycling.

"It's time to turn the page on a chapter full of emotions, memories, and lessons—both positive and negative. A chapter that has shaped me into who I am today, and one that will be talked about for years to come. It’s ending sooner than expected, but without regrets. I’ve been riding that little bike since I was six, and now I’m 24… Time flies. I’ve worked my way through every category to become a professional cyclist and make a childhood dream come true. I’m proud of my journey.”

"I experienced euphoria and sadness, and built up a beautiful collection of memories, moments, and trophies. Cycling was always my outlet. A place where enjoyment came first, even though I could be a bad loser. Giving it my all and seeing my parents, grandparents, and family smile and share those moments with me was priceless."

"I enjoyed every pedal stroke. There’s nothing better than turning your hobby into your profession. I proudly signed my first professional contract with Lotto-Intermarché—I never thought it would also be my last. Things changed quickly. I won’t retell that part of my story, but it took me to a very dark place and made me realise that there’s more to life than cycling."

"After months of rebuilding, I got back on my feet. But I realized how much energy it had taken and how hard it was to find the old Robin again. No matter how much I wanted to, the low points came too often. This year, I wanted to return feeling happy instead of unhappy. I wanted to enjoy cycling, the people around me, the struggle, and above all, to feel fulfilled again. But things didn’t go as I’d hoped.”

"No matter how hard I worked, my body said 'no.' Now my head and heart are saying 'no' too." To be honest, this feels like a breath of fresh air. There’s more to life than cycling, and I want to discover that together with my girlfriend, friends, parents, and family. Cycling will always have a place in my heart. Every scar, trophy, tear, and smile has its own story. This isn’t the end of my athletic ambitions. As my friends say, ‘An old fox never loses its tricks.’"