Spielertrainer: Inside Pete Stetina's new role with Canyon

How gravel pro Pete Stetina is helping his Canyon ATR teammates race for the win

Spielertrainer. It’s a German word that translates to “player-coach.” A role reserved for athletes with the most expertise and seniority, spielertrainers play on the field and also provide real-time advice and mentorship. It was the perfect word to describe Pete Stetina’s new role at Canyon.

Stetina announced his retirement and ensuing farewell tour at the beginning of 2026. The gravel pro would visit the races that are most meaningful to him. At the races, he would give up chasing personal podiums and instead serve as a spielertrainer for his Canyon-DT Swiss All-Terrain Racing teammates like Bradyn Lange.

This looks like reconning courses, advising on strategy on tactics, cooking meals, testing products, and a wide array of additional duties as assigned. As Stetina enters the twilight of his career, he can use his collection of experience as a professional bike racer to benefit Canyon’s younger athletes.

“I’m still a privateer and an ambassador for Canyon,” Stetina said, “but then I also have this other part of my job which is helping all of Canyon’s current and future pros try to excel in their career.”