‘Love of My Dad’: Father’s Example Leads Top Cyclist Back to the Church...

Justin Koelbl regains ‘helmet of salvation’ by finding meaning in mysterious illness.
L to R: The Koelbl father and sons at a 2005 race in Maryland; Justin Koelbl outside of a Gothic church in upstate New York. The special glasses are for eye moisture retention. (photo: Courtesy of Justin Koelbl)

In 2009, Justin Koelbl was in the midst of an outstanding cycling career. Despite being only 15 at the time, the Virginia native’s accomplishments already included five junior U.S. National Championships in road cycling.

Because the U.S. did not have many major cycling teams, Koelbl joined a men’s team in the south of France. The young foreigner’s presence sparked interest among the locals and inspiration for Koelbl himself. The teenager was in the country that annually hosts the best-known race in the sport: the Tour de France. Everything seemed to be lining up perfectly.

Then a mysterious illness appeared that threatened Koelbl’s health, career and even salvation. In anticipation of Father’s Day on June 16, Koelbl spoke to the Register of how he hoped and prayed his way out of this grand challenge to his temporal and eternal well-being.





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