Florian
Stork

Inspired by his father, who managed the local cycling team, Florian started riding his bike as a young kid before starting racing in Germany. While initially it was all about fun, he soon became competitive and racing came quite naturally.

“I like the feeling of going to my limit and comparing myself with others – when I am successful, I love it.”

He joined Team Sunweb’s Development Program in 2017, and now has his sights set on becoming a WorldTour rider. A relaxed, calm and open guy, who likes to crack jokes, the future looks bright for Florian, now in his last year as an Under-23.

“Team Sunweb really put focus on the development of young riders and I am so happy to have the chance to ride in this team for the third year in a row. It is the best place for me.

“We always try to get the best out of ourselves and stick to our values and that really suits my personality. I have a focus on the long-term too – even if you have a hard day, you just have to think, tomorrow will be better, and the feelings will be different. You have to look at it logically.”

An all-rounder with climbing skills, Florian hopes to develop his climbing and time-trialling with Development Team Sunweb, with a view to riding the highest heights in Grand Tours.

“I want to do well in 2019 and develop myself in to a WorldTour rider. I am so motivated by my dream to become a pro cyclist. and do Grand Tours.

“Short term, I also hope to do a good Tour de l’Avenir as last year I was in good shape – but had bad luck with sickness and crashes and had to abandon the race.”

Florian counts his best result as claiming the yellow jersey in the Tour Alsace 2018, a “really special moment” after a hard day climbing, culminating in La Planche des Belles Filles.

Away from cycling, he loves all things coffee and sang in the school choir.