German rower Benien and cyclist Schmieder shine at European championships

The city of Bottrop approved funding for 49 young athletes for the 2026/27 season, highlighting rower Johannes Benien, U23 world champion in the coxless four, and Tobias Strangemann, who is training with the German eight for the upcoming European championships in Varese. The support covers international competition travel, training camps, health services and specialised equipment.

Meanwhile, German cyclist Gianna Schmieder, a teacher‑student at TU Chemnitz, finished fifth in the women's European Steher race in Pordenone, Italy—the first edition to feature a women's title. Her pacing was provided by Udo Becker, and her performance underscores Germany’s dual‑career programmes that help elite athletes combine sport with education.