Though still early in her career, Ricarda Bauernfeind has already encountered the highs, the lows, and everything in between – a testament to the unpredictable and unforgiving nature of sport at the elite level.

After stepping away from competitive cycling following her junior years to focus on her university studies, the young German occasionally competed in events in Germany and with the national team. In 2022, she returned to the sport with renewed focus, joining CANYON//SRAM zondacrypto Generation, and wasted no time proving she was destined for greater things.

In 2023, Ricarda moved up to the CANYON//SRAM zondacrypto WorldTour Team, where she immediately made a name for herself once more. Labelled as one of the year’s revelations and a rising star of women’s cycling, Ricarda finished in the top ten overall in four WorldTour stage races, including the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift. She also won the youth classification at the Tour de Romandie Féminin.

The crowning achievement of her season, and career thus far, came with an extraordinary victory on stage five of the Tour de France Femmes, earning her a place in an elite group of victors in one of the world’s most prestigious and revered cycling events.

In the first half of 2024, the 24-year-old took an impressive ninth place in Liége-Bastogne-Liége in April. At La Vuelta Femenina in May, she proved herself among the world’s best climbers, finishing fifth on the final stage’s 12 km summit finish and sixth in the general classification.

Heading into the season’s key targets, such as the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift and the Paris 2024 Olympics, Ricarda’s hopes were dashed by serious knee injuries, requiring two surgeries and a lengthy period away from the bike.

“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.”

She returned to training in the latter part of 2024, and is now focused on 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.”

Based on her track record, no one should bet against Ricarda making a triumphant return.