Published on : 08/25/2026
At lunchtime, the Cofidis team takes a moment to chat with the people who make up the team. With “A l’abri du vent”, we put the race to one side for a few minutes to listen and take our time. Today, let’s meet Hannah Ludwig.
How did you get into cycling?
I started cycling at the age of 10, riding almost every day with my father. My parents were very sporty, and my father himself had always dreamt of becoming a professional athlete.
Very early on, we built this plan together. I left school at 16 to devote myself fully to cycling, whilst working with my father.
I turned professional at 18. It had been a clear goal from the start, driven by that strong bond with him. Today, being part of a team like Cofidis is a source of great pride.
What moments have shaped your journey and your view of cycling?
For a long time, I was lucky enough to avoid any falls.
But recently, a bad fall resulting in a head injury changed the way I see things. That sort of experience puts things into perspective and reminds you that health is essential.
Since then, I’ve been enjoying cycling and the present moment even more. I’m even more aware of how lucky I am to be able to do this sport.
Where does your motivation come from, and what are your habits?
My motivation comes largely from my family.
Before every race, I have a simple ritual: I ring my parents, send a selfie to my family and tell them I love them. I also tell myself that I’m going to give it my all for them.
I listen to music no particular genre, just something with a good beat to get me in the right frame of mind.
Who are you away from cycling, and what are you involved in?
I’m a very passionate person: when I commit to something, I always give it 100 per cent.
Apart from cycling, I’m very committed to nature. I’m a member of a species conservation charity and I take part in practical initiatives, such as helping amphibians cross roads safely.
I also love being outdoors, enjoying the scenery and going for walks. It’s important to me, especially given a lifestyle where my travel arrangements don’t always align with my environmental convictions.
What inspires you?
When I was younger, I mainly watched the Olympic Games.
One person in particular inspired me: Ina-Yoko Teutenberg. She is now a sports director, and I’m lucky enough to know her.
But my main source of inspiration remains my family.
How do you manage the balance between your personal and professional life?
Routines are essential for me.
I like to organise my days and weeks. When I’m at home, I plan my time, start early and try to wind down at the end of the day.
I also write a lot, which helps me take a step back.
Despite all the travelling, I feel a certain sense of freedom in this way of life, particularly thanks to the flexibility I have in organising my days.
How do you see your role and the impact of sport today?
I often find myself wondering about the impact of sport, particularly on the environment.
Professional cycling involves a lot of travelling, which may seem at odds with my values. But I believe sport plays a vital role: it inspires, gives hope and encourages people to take up an activity like cycling.
So I try to live as responsibly as possible in my day-to-day life.
Nowadays, I see cycling as an opportunity. With experience, I’ve come to realise that what matters most isn’t just performance, but also enjoyment, values and the people around us.