Triathletes, rowers, skiers, and even ski jumpers: in recent years, many athletes from other sports have made the switch to cycling. But in 2026, we will see a very striking debutante in the women's peloton: the German Sophie Alisch comes from the... boxing world.
23-year-old Alisch—who has signed with the Canyon//SRAM zondacrypto development team, which also features riders like Kasia Niewiadoma and Chloe Dygert—started boxing at the age of 13. She quickly showed talent and in 2021, as the youngest German athlete in history, made her debut at the Olympic Games.
She continued boxing as an amateur for several more years before turning professional. She remained undefeated, won her first ten matches, and was named Female Boxer of the Year in her home country.
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Despite her successes in the boxing ring, Alisch had another dream: pursuing a cycling career. "I have always loved boxing and will continue to do so, but cycling has long been another passion," she said a few months ago on Instagram. "This is definitely not a spontaneous decision. I see this as the right moment to take on this new challenge."
Mentality
Top team Canyon//SRAM zondacrypto believes in the German’s abilities and therefore offers her a chance in professional cycling, but initially as a member of the development team. "I bring a certain mentality from boxing. I am disciplined and can take a hit. I also know how to suffer and grit through the pain. I have a specific focus and mindset, so I can definitely add something to the team," she states confidently.
"It might be bold to give her a chance to make the jump to a completely new sport, but Sophie has the ambition and attitude to succeed," her new team says enthusiastically. "We look forward to supporting her."
Sophie Alisch| Year | Team |
|---|---|
| 2026 |
