# Michael Schwarzmann Joins Lotto Soudal: A New Chapter for the German Sprinter
In an exciting development for the Lotto Soudal cycling team, 30-year-old Michael Schwarzmann has officially signed a two-year contract. After more than a decade of competing under various German teams, Schwarzmann is making the transition from Bora-Hansgrohe to the Belgian squad, bringing with him a wealth of experience. Known for his role as a lead-out rider for renowned sprinters such as Pascal Ackermann, Sam Bennett, and legendary three-time world champion Peter Sagan, Schwarzmann is poised to be a key asset for his new team.
“After a period of over ten years racing under the German flag – where I really got the chance to grow as a rider – it’s now time for a new challenge,” Schwarzmann remarked. He expressed enthusiasm for the opportunity at Lotto Soudal, stating, “When I got the offer to join the interesting Lotto Soudal project, I didn’t even need one minute to think about it.” He emphasized the importance of being in a professional environment, saying, “In the end, it doesn’t really matter if you race under the Belgian or German flag.”
Next season, Schwarzmann will primarily support Caleb Ewan, another top sprinter known for his speed. Schwarzmann noted, “My experience tells me that these top riders have one thing in common, which is the desire to win. They are almost all on the same level and then it’s about details making the difference between winning or losing.” He highlighted team dynamics, saying, “The atmosphere in the team and making the right decisions at the right moment are amongst the deciding factors.”
Looking ahead, Schwarzmann described himself as versatile, comparing his rider’s profile to “a Swiss army knife.” He aims not only to assist in lead-outs but also to be effective in challenging terrains such as medium mountain stages. He shared his ambition for personal growth within the team, stating, “I want to further improve my level as a rider… I can’t wait to get this new journey started!”
Lotto Soudal’s general manager, John Lelangue, praised Schwarzmann’s addition to the team. “With Michael Schwarzmann, we added a nice reinforcement to the team,” Lelangue said. He emphasized that Schwarzmann’s experience with top sprinters will be invaluable, adding, “Michael is a multi-purpose rider… he is a very loyal teammate with the right team spirit.”
As Lotto Soudal gears up for the upcoming racing season, the addition of Michael Schwarzmann appears to be a strategic move that promises to strengthen the team both on and off the bike. The cycling world will be watching closely as this new chapter unfolds.
