Two-time Austrian national champion Kathrin Schweinberger has signed for the team through 2026.
“It feels like this is a new chapter for me,” says Schweinberger. “I am really happy to get this opportunity. From our first meeting on, my motivation has been super high.”
The 27-year-old will be the second sprinter, bolster the lead-out, and will be key in one-days.
“I love to sprint. I’ve put my focus on getting stronger and not just waiting for the sprint, but to be a better all-rounder with higher power output. I like Classics like Gent-Wevelgem and Nokere Koerse. I want to contribute to the team, for not only my results, but for the team’s success because this brings me a lot of joy.”
These skills make Schweinberger a versatile athlete, a trait that is pivotal in a multitude of races.
“Kathrin is ready for that next step,” says Kenny Latomme, Team Manager. “Her role will be a combination of our second sprinter and a lead-out for Daria. In big races this year she did brilliant lead-outs for her teammates and we know that she can finish fast herself.”
Signing from CERATIZIT-WNT Pro Cycling Team, 2024 was a huge year for Schweinberger. She won Dwars door de Westhoek in a two-up sprint, and raced in the Giro d’Italia Women and Tour de France Femmes avec Zwift.
“I’ve changed my mindset to be more relaxed,” she explains of her 2024 confidence. “I focused on enjoying riding the bike, which sounds cliché, but in the end, it helps me in the races.”
The way mindset links to performance is a key part of our Pillars of Performance, and something Schweinberger has a strong connection with.
“The pressure was not from the outside, but from myself,” she explains. “At one point you find these things out for yourself and focus on the Pillars and suddenly things fall into place.”
Schweinberger started racing with her twin sister Christina (Fenix-Deceuninck) after pursuing alpine skiing as a child, a very common start in sport for young children in Austria.
“We started ski racing and then our neighbor told us to use the bike in summer for endurance training,” she explains. “We got road bikes, joined our local club and suddenly we had our first wins and made the full switch from ski racing to road racing. We never looked back.”
Schweinberger is just as daring off the bike. During COVID-19, she and her sister started paragliding.
“We got the license for this, bought paragliders and hike and flight,” she says. “So we hike up the mountain and then fly down. It is something I always look forward to in the off-season.”
