Former Red Bull - Bora manager joins Canyon//SRAM zondacrypto as Sports Director

Rolf Aldag will join Canyon//SRAM zondacrypto as Sports Director from the 2026 season, marking a return to the German Women’s World Team. The former German rider already spent one season there in 2020 as an Assistant Sports Director before moving to Red Bull - Bora - hansgrohe.

Aldag was a cornerstone of German professional cycling during the 1990s and early 2000s, known as one of the sport's most elite domestiques and a key figure in the Telekom/T-Mobile era. He played a vital role in supporting Erik Zabel, Bjarne Riis and Jan Ullrich. He also managed to get the impressive number of 22 professional victories, most of them in Germany. He competed in 17 Grand Tours, finishing 15 of them.

Since ending his racing career in 2005, Aldag has worked in several teams, holding senior roles at Etixx-Quick-Step, Dimension Data, Bahrain Victorious and the aforementioned Red Bull - Bora- hansgrohe, which he left in July this year.

Team manager Ronny Lauke welcomed the appointment, highlighting both Aldag’s experience and familiarity with the team environment. “I’m very pleased to welcome Rolf back to CANYON//SRAM zondacrypto,” Lauke said in an official statement. “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."

Both Aldag and Lauke are familiar with each other, as they worked together back in 2008 at HTC-Highroad. "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 also expressed enthusiasm about returning to the team after the short stint in 2020. “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!”