Maddie Le Roux and Louis Kitzki land pro contracts through Zwift Academy

Many graduated from the Zwift Academy 2023, but only two completed this talent identification program with the coveted prize: a one-year professional contract. After several weeks of challenges and competitions on Zwift, South African Maddie Le Roux and German Louis Kitzki respectively secured their contracts with the CANYON//SRAM Racing and Alpecin-Deceuninck Development teams.

Source: Press Release

In collaboration with Alpecin-Deceuninck and CANYON//SRAM, Zwift continues to play a crucial role in identifying and training future cycling stars, offering a unique platform for emerging talents. The two new recruits will bring new energy and promising potential to their respective teams. They follow in the footsteps of former winners like Neve Bradbury and Jay Vine.

Maddie and Louis stood out among more than 108,000 Zwifters who took part in the Zwift Academy 2023. Their results propelled them to the finals in Denia, where they were among the three women and three men selected. Through a series of challenges and races, both on the road and on Zwift, they proved their talent and determination. The two winners fully integrated into their new teams in January for a one-year contract, and more if affinities develop!

Maddie distinguished herself with high power numbers and top-level race intelligence. Adam Szabó, CANYON//SRAM Generation Team Manager, states: “Maddie excelled in many challenges, but what set her apart from all the finalists was the support she provided to her designated leaders during the Zwift race. This moment was a turning point in the week, and we were sure that this is what we are looking for in our team. We are thrilled to welcome her to the team.” And Maddie, the big winner, added, “I am extremely happy to finally share this news, it’s simply incredible.”

During the finals, Louis caught the coaches’ attention with his raw talent, ambition, and determination. As the youngest Zwift Academy finalist, he revealed considerable growth potential. Kristof de Kegel, Performance Manager at Alpecin-Deceuninck, reflects on these finals: “In this edition, the finalists were closer than ever physically. Louis combines youth with conviction and the awareness that his “weaknesses” are just areas for improvement, which gave him an advantage over the other finalists. All three had enormous physical capabilities, but Louis had, in our opinion, the most promising long-term profile.”

“The Zwift Academy Zwift final was a unique chance to ride with the team and spend time with the coaches. It’s a great way to check if you can handle the professional cyclist lifestyle,” said Louis Kitzki. “I am very happy to join the Alpecin-Deceuninck development team for the upcoming season, to learn with some of the best cyclists in the world and, I hope, to follow in their footsteps.”

Eurosport is broadcasting a four-episode series covering the Zwift Academy finals, starting February 20 at 7:30 PM, with one episode per day. The series is also available worldwide on Eurosport’s YouTube channel.

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