Benedikt Benz is the first German U19 rider to win a UCI World Cup race. At the U19 Junior race as part of the UCI World Cup in Dendermonde, Belgium, at the beginning of January, Benedikt was able to ride to the top of the podium. The reigning German champion now took the momentum and the good feeling with him to leave the assembled junior world elite behind him in Hoogerheide.

Starting from the fourth row, the 17-year-old quickly made up positions. Particularly in the technical section of the track, Benedikt was able to push forwards and establish himself in the leading group of five.

A trio consisting of the Belgian Mats Vanden Eynde, the Italian Patrik Pezzo Rosola and Benedikt Benz then entered the final lap. The latter had cleverly organised the race and was able to increase the pace once again, pull away and ultimately win the race with a two-second lead over Vanden Eynde.

‘It's a different feeling again to win a World Cup. Today's victory has given me a lot of confidence,’ said Benedikt, looking ahead to the UCI Cyclocross World Championships next weekend. Despite his recent successes, the Ohlsbach native is still setting himself modest goals. ‘A top 10 place,’ is Benedikt's goal for the race on the fast course in Liévin, France.

Jens Schwedler, Sporting Director of the STEVENS Racing Team, comments: ‘We have had many talented junior riders in the STEVENS Racing Team who have achieved great success, and I have always hoped that one day one of them would win a World Cup or a World Championship. Benedikt has fulfilled this wish and made cross history - he is the first junior athlete to win a World Cup. This fills our whole team with pride. Benedikt is already further ahead than many elite athletes.’

Eike Behrens and Silas Kuschla also presented themselves with great results in Hoogerheide in the U23 race with a strong international field. Eike Behrens rode to an outstanding 17th place. Silas Kuschla finished 26th.

The highlight of the season is coming up on 1 and 2 February with the World Championships in Liévin, France. Luca Harter (Elite Men), Eike Behrens and Silas Kuschla (both U23) as well as Benedikt Benz, Richard Griewald and Anton Kochanowski (all U19) will be competing for the STEVENS Racing Team.

Anton and Richard are still undergoing an official performance review this week. After Richard's overall Bundesliga victory and Anton's successful season, the team is very confident about their participation and a great World Championships.