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CANYON//SRAM Racing has announced a 2017 winner for the Zwift Academy programme.
Tanja Erath, a former triathlete and criterium racer from Dortmund, Germany, emerged triumphant from a field of over 2,100 women from around the world, to win a pro contract and the opportunity to race for the CANYON//SRAM Racing team during the 2018 season.
“I started this confident in my skills as a cyclist and a racer, but had no idea it would end with me here in Koblenz with a World Tour schedule ahead of me,” said Erath. “It’s been such a journey and I’m humbled by the talent I’ve been up against, especially with Zwift Academy finalists Siri Hildonen and Bri Torkelson. I’m so overwhelmed!”
2016 Zwift Academy winner and current CANYON//SRAM Racing rider Leah Thorvilson had this to say about her new teammate: “Tanja’s clearly got tons of talent and a great head on her shoulders for competition and racing. She will have a lot of learning ahead of her, just like I did and continue to do, but she’s shown enough resilience balancing her medical studies and training that I know she will take this in stride. I’ve got great memories of what my 2016 announcement was like and I’m just thrilled to see her moving into this world in this way.”
For each of the three rounds of competition, a panel of judges narrowed riders down by analysing data gathered during online rides and workouts. Representatives from CANYON//SRAM, Zwift and TrainSharp coaching were all part of the selection committee who chose twelve semi-finalists before narrowing it down to the final three.
“We took a chance with the Zwift Academy last year and we’re very happy with what it brought to our team.” noted CANYON//SRAM Racing team manager Ronny Lauke. “Leah is a great addition and, seeing Tanja’s dedication, drive, and strength only reminds us we’ve got a great program here to bring talent into the women’s peloton.”
Erath’s race schedule will be determined by the management of CANYON//SRAM Racing. There will be specific training and race skills for her to develop as she moves forward with the rest of the team into the 2018 season. Erath will have full access to all team resources, including team coaching and performance staff. Her first appearance on the UCI race schedule is expected to be in spring, following a winter of diligent preparation and training.
On making the winner announcement, Zwift CEO and co-founder Eric Min added: “Zwift’s community is bigger than ever before and brimming with fit, talented cyclists. While it’s the rare few that can compete at CANYON//SRAM Racing’s level, we know there’s more talent out there in Zwift, ready to be discovered. Huge congratulations to Tanja as well as [Zwift Academy finalists] Siri and Bri, and big thanks to CANYON//SRAM for recognising the value of Zwift Academy once again.”
Zwift and CANYON//SRAM Racing have confirmed the Zwift Academy will return in 2018.
