Austrian World Cup athlete Laura Stigger can’t make sense of it all. After one of her most successful seasons ever, she was surprised by the news that Specialized Factory Racing would not be renewing her contract. For eight years, the Tyrolean rode for the U.S. team and secured 16 podium finishes during that time. She took the top spot six times, and in August 2026, Stigger also won the XCO World Championship title.

In a post on her Instagram account, the 26-year-old briefly addressed the current situation. She said she is deeply disappointed and that Specialized’s decision breaks her heart. She looks back on eight very successful years with the team during which she grew as a rider and formed many friendships. She is grateful for that. Stigger’s contract with Specialized Factory Racing remains in effect through the end of 2026, according to her management. She will “naturally fulfill” this contract, so they cannot say anything more on the matter at this time. Stigger is currently on vacation and could not be reached personally. Her former team was also asked for a statement, which will be added here as soon as it is received. 

“Prodigy” from the Ötztal

Stigger likely won’t have to worry about her future. The Austrian is a consistent top-ten rider and was already considered a “wunderkind” at the start of her career. Raised in Haiming, at the entrance to the Ötztal valley in Tyrol, she discovered mountain biking early on through the local Racing Team Haiming. The club is considered the talent incubator of the Austrian cross-country scene. Even as a junior rider, Stigger made a splash and began collecting international titles starting in 2014. She proved that she’s not just a master on her mountain bike in 2018, when she won the junior women’s title at the Road Cycling World Championships in Innsbruck. It was, mind you, only her second appearance in a road race.