"This is it. It's enough," Berga said about his decision to retire. "I really wanted to have two amazing years with my new team, Team Jumbo-Visma, but because of COVID-19 and a severe concussion, it did not work out. The longer a recovery process lasts, the harder it is to get back to the level you want to be at. That is why I have made this decision and to be honest: I am okay with it."

"I just could not handle it anymore. I don't think I've ever had so many headaches like this year. I tried to come back over and over again. Sometimes, I was able to train for like two or three weeks, but every single time I got a setback. It is nice to be a professional athlete if you can give it your all. Unfortunately, I was not able to do that anymore in the last couple of months."

During his career, Berga won several Marathon Cup races, two national marathon titles on artificial ice and two Dutch titles on the Weissensee in Austria. He also became Dutch and European champion on inline skates. "Of course, it is disappointing that I have to say goodbye like this, but I can look back on a wonderful career. I am really proud of what I have accomplished. No one can take that away from me."

When asked what Berga will miss the most about being a professional athlete, he gives a clear and straight answer. "Winning. For a professional athlete, there aren't a lot of things that are sweeter than the feeling after a victory. You work towards certain goals and dreams and if you achieve them, that is amazing. I also really enjoyed the moments when I surprised people with my performances."

Team Jumbo-Visma and Berga are currently having talks about his future. The marathon speed skater might end up with a different role within the team. "It's great that the team might want to use my knowledge and experience in a different way. After the Winter Olympics, we are going to talk again about my future role."