Velonews: Maaike Polspoel Leaves Liv-plantur

<figure ><img title="Cycling: Road World Championships 2013 / RR Elite Women" src="cdn.velonews.competitor.com20134174 206913 320x213.jpg"Open ↗/><p>Maaike Polspoel, who was second in Belgium's national championship women's road race in 2013, is on the lookout for a new team after deciding to leave Liv-Plantur. Photo: Tim De Waele | <a href="http://www.tdwsport.com" target="_blank">TDWsport.com</a></p></figure><p>Belgian cyclist Maaike Polspoel, who has ridden in the Liv-Plantur organization (last year’s squad was known as Giant-Shimano) since the start of the 2014 season, is leaving the team. She made the decision to end her tenure with the team following a diagnosis with autoimmune pancreatitis, a disease that requires treatment with various medicines, including corticosteroids—the regulations of the Movement for Credible Cycling (MPCC), of which Liv-Plantur is a member, do not allow riders to race while being under corticosteroid treatment.</p>
<p>Autoimmune pancreatitis is a disease that can arise spontaneously. “It is a serious disease and proper long-term treatment is necessary, as the pancreas could otherwise deteriorate, with severe consequences”, explained team physician Anko Boelens.</p>
<p>“Being diagnosed with this disease has been a shock for me,” said Polspoel.</p>
<p>“I will require long-term treatment with corticosteroids and other medicines to overcome it. Thanks to the treatment, I am currently feeling well and able to train. I actually feel fit enough to race again. Due to the MPCC regulations, however, I am not allowed to race while using corticosteroids. I asked the team to terminate my contract, which they did, so that I can go elsewhere and race with immediate effect.”</p>
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