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.

On the Road to MotoGP – The Journey of a Young Talent

Daniel in racing mode!

Born on January 8, 2008, Daniel Krabacher has already made a name for himself in the world of motorsport. On his journey to his dream of racing in MotoGP, he shows us what passion, discipline, and a dash of energy can achieve!

The beginnings on two wheels

Daniel was born into a motorsports-loving family. He regularly visited racetracks with his parents, Marion and Charly. The MotoGP riders he admired as a child inspired him—and so his journey with trial bikes began. He quickly realized that it wasn't just about speed, but also about technique and a feel for the bike.

“Everyone starts small ,” says Daniel

The big step into racing

At the age of 12, the turning point in his life came: his first time on a racetrack – an unforgettable experience! The founding of the Austrian Junior Cup the following year was the opportunity of a lifetime for Daniel. The transition from trials to racing was challenging, but with hard work and a relentless desire to improve, he managed to fight for the podium in his second year. The championship title in his third year was the pride of his young life and a springboard to the next challenge: the Yamaha R3 bLU cRU World Cup!

The road to the dream – MotoGP

The Yamaha R3 bLU cRU World Cup isn't just another competition. It's where the elite of young racers from all over the world meet. The competition is fierce and the field is tight – everyone is fighting for every position. But Daniel not only brings the right tools, but also incredible mental strength. With the support of his mental coach, Michael Deutschmann, he's preparing optimally for his racing season, both physically and mentally.

An athlete with goals

Daniel describes himself as a rather quiet but determined person. He knows what he wants and works hard to make his dreams come true. This season, he not only wants to learn a lot, but also achieve a podium finish. A move up to Moto2 or the Superbike World Championship ( WSBK) would be the crowning achievement for him – and we're convinced he can do it!

Tips for aspiring racing drivers

"It's not easy, but you should never give up. You have to learn from every defeat and every mistake," says Daniel. "Everyone starts small." These words should be remembered by everyone who dreams of success in motorsport.