From the ring to the road - Professional boxer signs with Canyon//SRAM Generation

The 23-year-old began boxing at age 13 and quickly showed promise, becoming the youngest German athlete in history to compete at the Olympic Games in 2021. She later turned professional, remaining undefeated with a 10–0 record and earning Female Boxer of the Year honours in her home country.

Despite her success in the ring, Alisch has long harboured ambitions to switch to cycling.

“I have always loved boxing and will continue to do so, but cycling has been another passion of mine for a long time,” Alisch explained on her Instagram account. “This is certainly not a spontaneous decision. I see this as the right moment to take on this new challenge.”

Canyon//SRAM zondacrypto - the development team of the squad that includes 2024 Tour de France Femmes winner Kasia Niewiadoma and two-time world time trial champion Chloé Dygert - believes strongly in Alisch’s potential, offering her a place on their development programme.

Alisch feels her background in combat sports provides valuable transferable skills for her new discipline.

“I bring a certain mentality from boxing. I’m disciplined and can take a hit. I know how to suffer and push through pain. I have a focus and mindset that can definitely add something to the team,” she said confidently.

The team acknowledges the unconventional nature of the transition but remains optimistic about Alisch’s prospects.

“It’s a bold move to give someone the chance to switch from an entirely different sport, but Sophie has the ambition and attitude to make it work,” said a team spokesperson. “We’re excited to support her on this new journey.”

Her move fits into the growing trend of athletes switching to professional cycling from other sports. Primož Roglič, for instance, made the transition from ski jumping, while Spaniard Aleix Espargaró raced several times for the Lidl-Trek development team after retiring from MotoGP at the end of 2024.