"My goal is to support talents throughout their journey" - Daughter of the 1978 World Champion signs contract with Red Bull – BORA – hansgrohe

Red Bull–BORA–Hansgrohe continues to invest in developing young talent, staying true to its DNA. Beyond the World Tour team, everyone knows the German structure includes an Under-23 squad, Red Bull–BORA–hansgrohe Rookies, as well as one of the best junior teams in the world, Grenke–Auto Eder.

Through its global development programme, the German team is regarded as one of cycling’s leading references, widely recognised across the sport. If the junior team’s value is undeniable, what can be said about the Under-23 Rookies squad, which, among the organisations currently present in the WorldTour, is simply the strongest team in the world?

As clear evidence of a continuous and integrated talent development pathway. Emil Herzog stood out in the junior ranks, which led Axel Merckx’s Hagens Berman Axeon to sign him. But not for long, as the German team presented an appealing project to the young rider, who did not hesitate when the opportunity arose to return home and represent a team from his own country. In 2024 Emil Herzog made the jump to the main team and signed a contract until the end of 2026.

Callum Thornley moved up to the main team this year and signed until 2027, while Lorenzo Finn, U23 road world champion in Kigali, where he delivered a masterful performance. With just over 30 km to go, he decided the time was right to go for glory himself, launching an attack and going clear over the top of the Côte de Kimihurura., has already signed a contract with Red Bull until 2028, with his move to the WorldTeam planned for next season.

And this is where the new chapter begins for former Dutch professional Roxane Knetemann, who joins the German team Red Bull-BORA-hansgrohe as a scout.

Knetemann, 38, daughter of former world champion Gerrie Knetemann, is also well known as an analyst, commentator and race director of the NIBC Tour of Holland.

“The structure at Red Bull-BORA-hansgrohe offers ideal conditions for young riders to develop not only sportingly, but also personally. My goal is to support talents throughout their journey and prepare them step by step for the demands of professional cycling,” Knetemann explained in a press release.

Tim Meeusen, Director of Development of the team of Remco Evenepoel, Primoz Roglic, Giulio Pellizzari, Vlasov, Lipowitz and many other stars, said: “For us, talent development is far more than simply feeding riders into the WorldTour. Our long-term ambition is to be the most attractive team in professional cycling, and that is precisely why we are investing in the talents of tomorrow today.”

With the signing of Knetemann, the team is taking “the next innovative step.” Roxane Knetemann is not only a former elite athlete, but also a qualified coach with years of experience working with young athletes. In her new role, the focus will be on training, mentoring and the long-term development of emerging talents.

With this new addition to the scouting department, Red Bull–BORA–hansgrohe once again reinforces its strategy of innovation. Roxane Knetemann brings to the team not only the experience of a former top-level athlete, but also the know-how of an education professional with many years of work alongside young cyclists. In her new role, the priority will be training, close guidance, and the long-term growth and development of emerging talents.