CANYON//SRAM Racing is thrilled to announce the contract extensions of two key riders, Ricarda Bauernfeind and Antonia Niedermaier, as they continue their journey with the team into the 2025 season. Both riders have showcased exceptional resilience and talent, and the team is excited to see them thrive in the coming year. Here’s what they had to say about their recent contract renewals and their aspirations for the future.

Niedermaier: A Rising Star with Ambitious Goals

Antonia, who joined the team as a promising young talent, has extended her contract for another year, solidifying her place within the squad. From starting her cycling career with the development team CANYON//SRAM Generation in 2022 after finishing school mid-season, Antonia joined CANYON//SRAM Racing in 2023. In a little over twenty-four months of racing, the young German rider has a glittering palmares, including overall victory at the Tour de l’Ardéche in 2022, a stage win at the Giro d’Italia in 2023 and sixth overall in 2024, sixth overall at this year’s Tour de Suisse and a UCI U23 ITT World Championship title that she will aim to defend at the end of the month. All at just 21 years old.

Reflecting on the decision to extend through to 2025, Antonia shared her excitement:

“As a young female cyclist who recently started my professional career with the team, I am thrilled to have extended my contract for another year. The decision was motivated by the incredible support and encouragement I have received from my teammates and coaches. The team environment has been instrumental in my growth as a rider, pushing me to challenge myself and strive for excellence.”

Looking ahead, Antonia has set her sights on achieving new heights next season, with the team playing a crucial role in her development.

“I have set ambitious targets for myself. I believe that the team’s expertise and camaraderie will be crucial in helping me reach these goals.”

One of the standout moments for Antonia over the past season was the team’s exceptional teamwork and race results, which left a lasting impact on her:

“One of the highlights from the past season that reinforced my decision to stay with the team was the teamwork and the good results at the races. We really raced as a team, smart and efficient. The sense of unity and shared achievement was truly inspiring.”

As she prepares for the upcoming year, Antonia aims to improve her performance, particularly in stage races:

“Next year, I hope to improve my performance and have some nice results in the bigger stage races. I plan to contribute to the team’s success by being a reliable and dedicated team player. I am confident we can achieve great things in the upcoming season.”

Bauernfeind: Overcoming Adversity and Continuing the Journey

Like Antonia, Ricarda started her professional career in the elite category in 2022 with CANYON//SRAM Generation, the development team of the World Tour Team. Ricarda has committed to another season with CANYON//SRAM Racing and spoke of her development and the pivotal role the team has played in her growth:

“When I started my professional cycling career with CANYON//SRAM Generation three years ago, I never thought I could develop so much in that time. The professional structures within the team, combined with the familial environment, helped me immensely. That continued with CANYON//SRAM Racing. I learn from race to race and am far from reaching my full potential.”

Ricarda’s palmares tallied six wins and two UCI Road World Championships medals in 2022, followed by four top-ten places in the general classification at Women’s World Tour stage races in 2023, including a phenomenal Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift stage victory. In the first half of 2024, the 24-year-old German rider took an impressive ninth place at the Ardennes Classic Liége-Bastogne-Liége in April. She was among the world’s best climbers at La Vuelta Femenina in May.

Ricarda’s journey in the second half of 2024 was then marked by challenges, with a knee injury forcing her to miss several season highlights, but it was during this time that she felt the full support of the team:

“In 2024, I had difficult months, and it was the worst time of my career so far, but this period showed me how much I love being on the road with the team and racing and how much I miss every person on the team. Especially during this challenging time, the team was there for and supported me, and I am extremely grateful.”

Ricarda now focuses on returning to full-time training and making a strong comeback in the 2025 season:

“After such a long break without structured training and racing, I simply want to return to my previous form and race with my team again next year. I missed it so much and can’t wait to fight for victories with my teammates. I hope to regain my strength in the mountains and support the team, especially in stage races.”

With Antonia and Ricarda continuing with CANYON//SRAM Racing, the squad’s future looks bright as it gears up for the opportunities of the 2025 season. The team is confident the two young German riders will play key roles in its pursuit of success.

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