20 years of success: BIKE Cross Country Camp & BIKE Junior Team

It all started in 2003, when the then BIKE editor Christoph Listmann had the idea of setting up a cross-country camp to promote young talent. The publisher gave the go-ahead and Listmann worked out a concept together with professional trainer Erik Becker. The idea: a camp with young people, coached by active CC pros.

The idea was an instant hit. Back then, applications were still being sent in by fax. Listmann and his team quickly recognised a lot of talent. Shortly afterwards, they came up with the idea of taking the most promising participants into a team and supporting them beyond the camp. The BIKE Junior Team (2004) was born.

Each of the selected youngsters was given a professional bike mentor who helped out with equipment and advice. Later, sponsors such as Cube, Milka and Bulls followed and gradually professionalised the team.

Karl Platt, marathon ace and BIKE Junior Coach from the very beginning

I liked the idea right from the start. When I was asked to take part, I agreed straight away. It's good to pass something on to the kids. A real success story for me.

The camp still takes place, always with celebrity coaches, such as the athletes from the Ghost Factory Racing Team. The BIKE Junior Team is under the direction of Bernd Sigel, who has been leading the athletes with great passion since 2012.

Familiar faces

Some talents from the BIKE Junior Team have made the leap into the pro league - and succeeded. Here are a few familiar faces who got their start with the BIKE Junior Team.

Georg Egger, Speed Company Racing

At the age of Georg Egger started biking at the age of 13at the time with brother Andreas. Georg joined the BIKE Junior Team in 2009 and raced successfully there until 2013. Since then, the 28-year-old has achieved many successes. Perhaps the most spectacular was the Cape Epic victory 2022 with his team colleague Lukas Baum.

Leonie Daubermann, KTM Factory MTB Team

Leonie competed for the BIKE Junior Team for the first time in 2012. She won the European Youth Championships in 2013. She made the leap into the professional business. Leonie is now a 5-time German champion (CC) in the elite category and finished 13th at this year's World Championships (CC).

Simon Schneller, Team Bulls

Simon rode for the BIKE Junior Team for six years. In 2018, the talented youngster made the leap to the Bulls pro team. The 26-year-old's greatest successes include winning a stage at the Cape Epic 2021 and taking bronze at this year's European Marathon Championships.