Henok Mulubrhan, a two-time African champion and 2023 African Cyclist of the Year, is motivated to elevate the status of Eritrean cycling and emulate fellow cyclist Biniam Girmay. In an interview, he highlighted the need for more racing opportunities in Africa while underlining his determination to achieve success in the sport. With the upcoming World Championships in Rwanda, he sees a significant opportunity for African cyclists. Despite current challenges, Mulubrhan remains focused on winning at the highest levels of competition.
Henok Mulubrhan, a two-time African cycling champion and the 2023 African Cyclist of the Year, conveyed his aspirations of achieving greatness in the sport and emulating his compatriot, Biniam Girmay, in an exclusive interview with Olympics.com. As a prominent figure in Eritrea’s burgeoning cycling scene, he discussed the current challenges faced by African cyclists, particularly the limited racing opportunities available on the continent. Eritrea has emerged as Africa’s premier cycling nation over the past decade, largely due to the pioneering efforts of cyclists such as Daniel Teklehaimanot, who drew global attention during the 2015 Tour de France. This legacy has motivated many young athletes, including Mulubrhan, who competes for the Astana Qazaqstan Team. He remarked, “Eritrean cyclists are really increasing their level and this represents motivation for all of us. After the results of the last few years, everyone is motivated to reach the top. We are on the right path.” Mulubrhan closely collaborates with Girmay, who has gained fame for his exceptional achievements, including historic stage victories at the Giro d’Italia and the Tour de France. Both riders share a special milestone, as they both achieved significant victories on the same date in March 2022. “It was a massive moment for African and Eritrean cycling,” he stated. The enthusiasm within Eritrea for cycling is palpable, with Mulubrhan describing a culture where riders are regarded with immense admiration. He mentioned his positive experiences while training in Eritrea, affirming, “In Eritrea, people love riders when they pass by. They like taking pictures with you, but I’ve never had any issues while training.” Looking ahead, he emphasized the importance of the upcoming 2025 World Road Championships in Kigali, Rwanda, viewing it as an unparalleled opportunity for African riders to showcase their talent on a global stage. He acknowledged, “The course will be very hard but it will be a really big opportunity for African riders to show what they can do and do a good race.” Currently, he laments the limited development opportunities for young African cyclists, emphasizing the scarcity of races that could help them gain competitive experience. Despite these challenges, Mulubrhan remains determined to succeed in his cycling career. After transitioning to the Italian team Bardiani CSF Farzané this year, he recorded significant achievements, including his second African title and wins at several major races. His goal is clear: to secure a WorldTour victory, stating, “My dream is to have a WorldTour race win for the team, but also for me. Winning a stage in a Grand Tour would be amazing.” With his ambition and dedication, Mulubrhan embodies the spirit of the African cycling renaissance.
The rise of Eritrean cycling can be traced back to the influence of early pioneers and the increasing success of athletes on the international stage. The historical significance of Eritrea’s participation in prestigious races, particularly the Tour de France, has laid the groundwork for subsequent generations. Today, young cyclists in Eritrea and other African nations face challenges in securing professional opportunities and exposure, necessitating discussions on the need for more races and development programs across the continent.
In conclusion, Henok Mulubrhan represents a new generation of Eritrean cyclists striving for excellence in the international arena. His commitment to advocating for increased opportunities for African riders underscores the urgent need for structural changes within the sport. As Mulubrhan aims to follow in the footsteps of his compatriots like Biniam Girmay, he not only seeks personal success but also hopes to elevate African cycling as a whole, fostering a culture of recognition and competitive advancement.
Original Source: olympics.com
