Move. Ride. Repeat. - Never standing still.

Road, speed, and determination.

From Hockey Skates to Cycling Shoes

Christian Schmitt began his athletic career at the age of ten in ice hockey. He progressed through all youth categories of the Eishockey Union Feldkirch and, at the age of 18, made the step into training with the first team. He later also played for Eishockey Club Supergau Feldkirch at the senior level. One of the highlights of this period was winning the Austrian championship in the 2nd league — a success he still looks back on today with great gratitude.

After this successful phase, Christian Schmitt played one more year for EHC Montafon and two additional years for EHC Bregenzerwald, both in the 2nd Austrian Bundesliga. Due to professional and personal commitments, he eventually decided to end his active ice hockey career.

Since cycling had always been a great passion, Christian Schmitt quickly found a new athletic challenge in the sport. His first participation in the Dreiländergiro in Nauders marked a turning point. His enthusiasm for the race was so strong that he began training more systematically and dedicating himself seriously to cycling. Today he competes with great enthusiasm in a wide variety of cycling events — from individual time trials and cycling marathons to MTB hill climbs and gravel races.

"Cycling is about listening to your body, embracing the joy of the ride, and soaking in the beauty of nature in all its forms."

Successes, Setbacks, and the Joy of Riding

What particularly fascinates Christian Schmitt about cycling is the ability to cover great distances in a short time while experiencing the diversity of nature. At the same time, the sport is extremely complex: fitness, tactics, equipment, and many other factors play a decisive role. This versatility is exactly what makes cycling so exciting for him.

The year 2019 was especially outstanding for Christian Schmitt — his absolute dream season. During that year he achieved several of his biggest sporting goals, including victories at the Glocknerkönig, the Dreiländergiro, the Halltalexpress, and the Pfänder race.

Another, even more significant chapter began in 2022. Since undergoing a spinal fusion involving several vertebrae, every training session and every race has been a bonus for him. Precisely for this reason, he values every moment on the bike even more and enjoys every ride in a special way.

In preparing for competitions, Christian Schmitt relies less on fixed rituals and more on adaptability. Depending on the race and the goal, he structures his training to be as well prepared as possible and always tries to make the best of every situation.

One of the most memorable experiences of his cycling career was his solo finish at the Dreiländergiro in Nauders. The final kilometers from the Reschen Pass to the finish were marked by the certainty of having achieved a major goal — a moment that remains vivid in his memory to this day.

If Christian Schmitt could pursue another sport, it would be Formula 1. The fascination with perfection, strategy, setup, and the constant pursuit of optimization represents a clear parallel to cycling in his eyes.

His advice to newcomers in cycling is simple: For those new to cycling, his advice is simple: listen to your body, ride as much as feels right, and never forget to enjoy the ride. After all, few other sports offer the opportunity to experience nature as intensely and diversely.

With Heart and Huskies

The Huskies' Magic

The beginnings of sled dog sport

Sabrina Cantu grew up in a family where huskies were always a part of life. Her mother has kept these impressive dogs for over 40 years, so Sabrina was very familiar with the breed from an early age. At the age of 11, she began bikejoring—a combination of mountain biking and dog pulling—as a hobby. She took her first steps with an experienced dog who showed her how it's done. The pivotal moment came when she got her first husky puppy in 12th grade—from that point on, it was clear to her that she wanted to gain a foothold in the world of sled dog sports after graduating from high school.

Today, Sabrina owns six Siberian Huskies and competes in various sled dog sports. Whether it's dryland racing like bikejoring, scootering, and carting, or snow events like skijoring or sledding , her dogs are highly trained and ready to assist her!

Proudest moments on the racetrack

Sabrina has already celebrated numerous successes in her career. These include three German Bikejoring Championship titles and four German Vice-Championship titles. Her incredible achievements are further underlined by two Vice-European Championship titles in Scooter 1 Dog and top-five finishes at the World Championships in the single-class Scooter 1 Dog discipline. These successes are not only milestones in her career, but also a reward for her hard work and dedication.

Mental preparation: The key to success

For Sabrina, mental preparation for competitions is one of the most important elements of her success. The day before a race, she walks the track to familiarize herself with every curve and surface condition. Safety is her top priority, especially when traveling at speeds over 30 km/h. On race day, she thoroughly checks her equipment before focusing.

Driven by health: goals for the future

Sabrina is committed to a long-term vision: health for herself and her dogs. Through several falls and the experiences of recent years, especially after the liver rupture in the 2023/24 season, she has realized that prevention is her top priority. She's aiming for top placings in the coming season, while always giving her best and ensuring everything runs smoothly.

A look beyond sport

Outside of dog sledding, Sabrina enjoys numerous hobbies, including nature photography, hiking, stand-up paddleboarding, and skiing. She enjoys spending time with her dogs and has made it a tradition to make homemade dog cakes for their birthdays.

If Sabrina could compete in any other sport, it would be skiing—a passion she has pursued since childhood. Skijoring with her huskies combines her love of skiing with her enthusiasm for the dogs.

Sabrina's advice for aspiring athletes

"Be patient with yourself and your dogs," Sabrina advises beginners in sled dog racing. "They are not machines, but living beings with their own feelings. Trust is crucial, and the relationship with your dog is the key to success in this sport."

With the Olympics in Sight

Askhab on the bar

We introduce you to Askhab Matiev, a dedicated athlete and member of the Innsbruck Gymnastics Club (ITV). Born on May 19, 2002, in Ingushetia, he has had an impressive career in Austria. As an employee of the Army Sports Service, he combines his passion for sports with his job. In this interview, we talk to him about his motivation and his experiences in sports.

Can you share your journey into your sport? What inspired you to pursue it?

I've been passionate about artistic gymnastics since childhood. I took first place in my very first competition—it was an unforgettable moment for me. From then on, it was clear to me: one day I wanted to compete in the Olympic Games.

What are some of the biggest challenges you have faced in your sporting career and how did you overcome them?

My biggest challenge is definitely my mental state. I sometimes face personal challenges, but what keeps me going is my firm belief that one day I’ll be able to compete for Austria at the Olympic Games. This conviction gives me the strength to keep going.

Who or what motivates you to keep pushing your limits?

My strong will and the desire to be Austria's first gymnast to compete at the Olympic Games are my daily motivation since 2012 . This dream drives me to always give my best.

What does your typical training routine look like? How do you stay focused and motivated?

I work with a well-thought-out plan and set clear goals. Discipline and perseverance help me give 110% to my training every day. This keeps my motivation high and allows me to make steady progress.

How do you balance training with other aspects of your life, such as work or family?

Forward-looking planning is essential for me. When I'm training, I'm completely in the moment—the same applies to work and family. Since my "work" is in military sports, training and work combine in a special way.

Can you describe a particularly memorable training session or competition? What made it special?

A saying from my former coach has always stayed with me: “Train how you compete, and compete how you train.” This motto makes every training session and every competition special for me because it always reminds me to stay authentic and focused.

What advice would you give to someone just starting out in your sport?

Believe in yourself, never doubt your abilities. Give your best every day and trust that you can constantly improve. Believing in yourself is the most important key to success.