Skylar Schneider will make her return to the European racing scene in 2025, rejoining Team SD Worx-Protime after several years in the United States. The Wisconsin native, now 26, previously rode for the team when it was known as Boels-Dolmans from 2018 to 2020.
Schneider, who has signed a one-year contract with SD Worx, expressed excitement about returning to European racing after a stint in the US, where she developed her skills in criterium races. “I am super excited about this new step in my career and life,” Schneider said, explaining that her passion for racing was reignited while watching European races. “Racing is what sets me on fire, racing is what makes my heart beat faster.”
Team sports manager Danny Stam recalled Schneider’s first foray into European racing. “In 2018, she was only 19 when she moved to Sittard from the American Cycling Federation,” Stam said. “She was constantly homesick, and that definitely affected her performance. When her contract expired, she expressed her desire to return to the States to develop further. But she made it clear she would come back when ready.”
In her time away from the European circuit, Skylar Schneider not only honed her racing skills but also opened a bakery with her sister in Wisconsin. Reflecting on her time baking and watching races at night, she said, “I tried to get my foot in the door again by doing some racing in Europe. I was selected for two World Championships and won the Pan-American title.” She eventually contacted Stam, who was pleased to hear from her. “We made the plan to wait a year and work towards 2025,” she said.
Photo Credit: GettySchneider’s form is not in question. Her 2024 season was highly successful, with 28 individual podiums, including seven victories in stages or criterium races. She also clinched the overall title at the eight-race American Criterium Cup series and the sprint jersey. Reflecting on her time with the Miami Blazers and L39ION of Los Angeles, Schneider said, “I knew that I would be moving to SD Worx in 2025, so it was important to me to spend one final season as teammates with my sister [Samantha Schneider].”
Stam believes Schneider will be a valuable asset to SD Worx. “I think she can be of great value in the lead-out for Lorena Wiebes, but can also grow further. In terms of character, she fits the team and I am convinced that physically she has the ‘engine’ to compete at the highest level.”
Schneider’s goals go beyond the team’s success; she has her sights set on the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. “The ultimate goal is to compete in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. That’s a dream scenario,” she admitted. Schneider’s background in criterium racing has given her confidence in her positioning and ability to handle short climbs, skills she plans to utilise in Europe. “I think 2025 will be all about re-learning the European style of racing and proving that I belong. I have realistic expectations regarding how difficult it will be.”
Looking ahead, Schneider is clear about her ambitions: “I want to learn from the best riders in the world. I love sprinting and I love performing under pressure.” She plans to live in Girona, a cycling hub, to avoid the isolation that affected her first European stint.
