ROLF ALDAG REJOINS CANYON//SRAM ZONDACRYPTO FOR 2026

It is with great pride that CANYON//SRAM zondacrypto announces the appointment of Rolf Aldag ahead of the 2026 season.

A German former professional rider who has gone on to become one of the sport’s most respected sports directors and leadership figures, Aldag is already well known to the team. He previously worked with CANYON//SRAM zondacrypto in 2020, quickly establishing himself as a highly valued member of staff.

That season marked the first year of the Women’s WorldTeam tier and Aldag’s debut on the women’s side of the sport, following spells with male WorldTour teams including QuickStep and Dimension Data. His relationship with CANYON//SRAM zondacrypto team co-owner and manager Ronny Lauke, however, dates back even further. The pair first worked together at HTC Highroad in 2008, before reconnecting again in 2020 during what was widely regarded as a tumultuous and unsettled year due to the pandemic.

Since then, Aldag has returned to the men’s peloton, further cementing his reputation at the highest level of the sport with achievements including notable Grand Tour successes. In his new role as Director of Sport, Aldag will shift into a senior leadership position, acting as a bridge between team management and the sporting performance group.

Ronny Lauke is delighted to be working alongside Aldag again, following both of their previous successful collaborations:

“I’m very pleased to welcome Rolf back to CANYON//SRAM zondacrypto. The sport continues to grow in complexity and professionalism, and as a team we’ve evolved significantly since Rolf was last with us. Bringing him back at this point in our development makes a lot of sense as we continue to strengthen our structure and look for ways to keep progressing, particularly within the sporting areas of the organisation.

Rolf has been one of the key architects behind some of the most successful teams of the past decade and has consistently shown an ability to help talented riders reach the very highest level. He already knows our environment and our values, which makes his return even more valuable. I’m confident he will play an important role in further improving stability, clarity and direction within the team.

Rolf is an excellent communicator, a smart tactician, and someone who knows how to bring people together behind a shared vision. He is forward-thinking and always open to new ideas. While we are proud of where the team stands today, there are still important areas for development, and someone with Rolf’s experience and fresh perspective is essential to that. I’m really looking forward to working closely with him again.”

Aldag is equally enthusiastic about his return to the German Women’s WorldTeam.

“I’m happy to be back with CANYON//SRAM zondacrypto! In the years I have not played an active part, I stayed in contact, followed the team closely and enjoyed seeing outstanding successes like the Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift victory. The general growth in women’s cycling is really exciting and the same time, offers up new challenges to remain at the top of the sport. Together, with the leadership of Ronny, who has a clear vision and set of values for the team, and the world class partners, staff and riders, I am very motivated and feel confident that CANYON//SRAM zondacrypto can continue to #TAKETHELEAD!”