CANYON//SRAM Generation is excited to announce another four riders to its roster for the 2025 season. The team welcomes back three-time Rwandan road champion Diane Ingabire, Ugandan time trial champion Florence Nakagwa, and British rider Awen Roberts, who extended contracts through to the end of the 2025 season. New signing, Joelle Messemer will also join the Continental team.

The 2025 squad, who will be known as CANYON//SRAM zondacrypto Generation for the upcoming season, has an abundance of talent and enthusiasm as it prepares to take on its most challenging race program so far. Read more from the riders below.

Diane Ingabire (Rwanda): “This season with CANYON//SRAM Generation has been invaluable for my career development. The team fosters a positive and encouraging environment, with access to top-notch coaching, nutrition advice, and mental health resources. This holistic support system has been crucial for my growth, allowing me to focus on my training without distractions. The structured training and competitive experiences have sharpened my skills and boosted my confidence. The targeted training sessions have helped me develop a more powerful and efficient riding style and I’ve also significantly improved my sprinting and climbing abilities.

One of my proudest achievements this season was competing at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. It was a culmination of hard work and dedication, and it reinforced my belief in my capabilities as a cyclist. This experience has motivated me to aim even higher and push my limits.

I’m very happy to re-sign with the team for another year. I believe the team is viewed as a trailblazer within the pro peloton. It’s fostering inclusivity and creating opportunities for women from diverse backgrounds, which has been long overdue in cycling. This initiative not only raises the profile of women’s cycling but also inspires younger riders to pursue their dreams, shifting the landscape toward a more equitable future. I strive to embody the team’s vision by encouraging and supporting younger riders, showcasing the excitement and potential of women’s cycling through my performances and commitment.

For the upcoming season, I aim to compete at higher-level races and secure a few podium finishes. I also want to focus on enhancing my teamwork skills, contributing to our collective success as a team and to try my personal best at the 2025 UCI Road World Championships in Rwanda.”

Awen Roberts (Great Britain): “Being a team member of CANYON//SRAM Generation in 2024 helped transition between junior and senior racing. The team support gave me the confidence to develop my racing skills within a large, competitive peloton. I raced in various types of races, where I was given different roles within the team, which allowed me to gain valuable experience. I became stronger on the climbs and learned to push out of my comfort zone in races, improve my racing communication skills and carry out various race roles.

One of my proudest achievements this year was in GP de Eibar. I was active throughout the race by following and initiating moves, being a part of a breakaway, and showing perseverance on a hard finishing climb to eventually finish seventh. This performance gave me the confidence that I could race actively in all types of races. 

In the upcoming season, I’m looking forward to continuing to be a part of a dynamic, ambitious, and happy team. I’m excited to continue to improve and learn into the 2025 season, to compete for the podium places for myself or a teammate, and the ultimate goal is to step up to the World Tour level.”

Florence Nakagwa (Uganda): “Unfortunately, I didn’t get to Europe to meet the team for the 2024 race season due to visa issues and difficulties. I tried various applications and have waited some months for the final approval. Now, the visa is in process, and I will join the team at the winter training camp and for the 2025 race season, after extending my contract.

The team has had an impact on developing women’s cycling by creating opportunities for different riders from different countries. I’ve stayed optimistic and kept believing in myself after having chosen cycling as my career. My father and brothers have been always helping me as training partners. I have received some training programs and have had various talks with different people in the sport who are encouraging and motivating. I aim to be a resilient and good teammate to all my teammates. I hope to be nurtured through the different aspects of cycling with my teammates and get to participate in a number of UCI races in 2025.”

Joelle Messemer (Germany): “I’m really excited to join CANYON//SRAM Generation because it’s a great chance to grow as a rider and learn from a supportive team. I love that the team focuses on developing young riders from all over the world, and I can’t wait to be part of it.

I started cycling in 2016 inspired by my mum. We were in our hometown at the race, Frankfurt- Eschborn, a big event in Frankfurt on the first of May. She put me on the start list for the hobby category. I had so much fun during the race that I went to a local club in Frankfurt and started competing in races. In 2019, I changed to a boarding sports school in Kaiserslautern to do the sport more professionally. Since the junior category I also raced at European and World Championships with the German national team. 

My biggest achievements so far were the two junior European titles in the individual pursuit and the team pursuit, and the two national titles at the junior road and hill climb championships. I always dreamed to be a part of a professional team. Since I started cycling I always wanted to win races and earn my money with my sport, but this year I really decided to try my way into professional cycling. I worked really hard and tried my best during the season and after some setbacks I am very happy to sign my first pro contract with CANYON//SRAM Generation.

There are many inspiring athletes, but in cycling, I really admire Chloé Dygert. Not only because I will join CANYON//SRAM too but she is incredibly strong in time trials and track cycling, and she has achieved so much, like being a two-time world champion in individual time trials. What inspires me most is how she never gives up, even after serious injuries and setbacks. Her faith in God is also a big part of her strength, and she talks about trusting Him during tough times, which I find very motivating. 

My main objectives for the upcoming season are to develop as a rider, gain experience in professional races, and improve my skills, especially in sprinting and positioning. I also want to learn how to work effectively as part of a team at this level. I’ll contribute by working hard, being a team player, and using my strengths—like climbing and time trial—to help us reach our goals. I’m also eager to learn and bring a positive attitude to every race and training session.”

Eight of the nine riders for the team’s 2025 roster have now been announced: Selam Amha Gerefiel (Ethiopia), Diane Ingabire (Rwanda), Maddie Le Roux (South Africa). Jule Märkl and Joelle Messemer (Germany), Florence Nakagwa (Uganda), Awen Roberts (Great Britain), and Ese Lovina Ukpeseraye (Nigeria). The final rider will be the winner of the 2024 Zwift Academy and will be announced next year.

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