01.08.2017 World-Tour, News, Race news
Christa Riffel to stagiaire with CANYON//SRAM Racing
We bring Christa Riffel to our team as a stagiaire from today, 1 August. The 19 year old German rider will have her first race with the team at the Ladies Tour of Norway from 17 to 20 August.
Riding since she was 14 years old, Riffel has shown consistent progress and development as she moved from junior to elite level women’s cycling. She won the German junior individual time trial title (ITT) in 2015 and in 2016 won the ITT and road race double. “My strengths as a cyclist are time trials and climbing. I like to push myself to the limit and over it,” said Riffel.
“I am really looking forward to the period of racing with CANYON//SRAM Racing. For me it’s a great opportunity to race with such experienced and successful riders. Since I’ve started cycling it has always been my dream to be part of such a strong women’s cycling team. For me it’s also special that I’m joining a German registered team. I hope I can support the team to achieve some success in this period,” added Riffel.
Team Manager Ronny Lauke said “I first recognised Christa when she won the general classification at the Energiewacht Junior Tour in Netherlands in 2016. That’s a special achievement since the Dutch have a very unique and strong depth on the women’s side of cycling.”
“Furthermore, Christa shows good time trial skills. Whilst finishing high school she remained focused on her sport and could achieve some good results in her first year at the elite level. She is clearly determined and hard working and we want to support this spirit further. We believe we can help her to make a big step in her career in this next period. Being able to experience and race alongside riders like Trixi Worrack will be invaluable for Christa’s development.”
Riffel joins the team from today and will first have her first race in CANYON//SRAM Racing colours on 17 August at the The Ladies Tour of Norway. The full roster for the three day stage race will be announced at a later date.