Henok Mulubrhan, a two-time African champion and the 2023 African Cyclist of the Year, is committed to elevating Eritrean cycling and following in the footsteps of Biniam Girmay. In his comments to Olympics.com, he highlighted the need for more competitive opportunities for young African cyclists as the continent prepares for the 2025 World Championships in Rwanda. While he celebrates the progress made, he remains focused on securing more visibility and support for African riders in the professional cycling landscape.
Henok Mulubrhan, a distinguished two-time African champion and the 2023 African Cyclist of the Year, embodies the rising prowess of Eritrean cycling on the global stage. In an exclusive conversation with Olympics.com, he expressed his aspirations to mirror the achievements of Eritrea’s cycling sensation, Biniam Girmay, while highlighting the pressing need for more competitive opportunities for African cyclists. Eritrea has swiftly emerged as Africa’s preeminent cycling nation over the past decade. The journey commenced when Daniel Teklehaimanot, the nation’s Olympic trailblazer, captivated the world by donning the polka dot jersey at the 2015 Tour de France, thus establishing a legacy for future generations. Since then, numerous Eritrean athletes have secured spots in WorldTour teams, which are regarded as the pinnacle of road cycling. Henok Mulubrhan, who competes for the Astana Qazaqstan Team, acknowledged this progression, stating, “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.” Alongside Biniam Girmay, who has gained international acclaim for his remarkable stage victories at the 2022 Giro d’Italia and the recent Tour de France, Mulubrhan began his professional journey in Europe. He shares a unique milestone with Girmay, as both claimed significant victories on the same date in 2022—Mulubrhan earning his first African title while Girmay made history as the first Black African to win a classic race at Gent-Wevelgem. In Eritrea, cycling is revered, akin to a religion. Henok Mulubrhan noted, “In Eritrea, people love riders when they pass by. They like taking pictures with you… I’ve never had any issues while training.” Multitudes of fans celebrated Girmay’s success in the capital, Asmara, after he clinched the green jersey at the Tour de France, demonstrating the deep-rooted connection between Eritreans and the sport. The upcoming 2025 World Road Championships in Kigali, Rwanda, further ignites ambition among African cyclists. Henok remarked, “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.” He emphasized that with a focus on cycling, countries like Rwanda mirror the Eritrean spirit for sports, providing hope for the future of African competitive cycling. However, despite these encouraging developments, substantial challenges remain. Mulubrhan stressed the limited opportunities available for young African riders to demonstrate their skills, stating, “Unfortunately, there are not enough races for the African young riders to show their qualities.” He advocates for more stage races in Africa to improve visibility and access for emerging talent. Additionally, he reflected on the support necessary for the growth of African riders within professional cycling environments. In describing his racing style, Mulubrhan remarked, “I think I am a puncheur.” His ambition to achieve victory in a WorldTour race remains steadfast, revealing his competitive nature and desire for elevated success in the sport. After a stellar 2023 season—including victories in the Tour of Rwanda and the Tour of Qinghai—he secured a two-year contract with Astana, further solidifying his potential prospects in professional cycling. With aspirations to achieve a stage win at a Grand Tour, Henok Mulubrhan represents a significant force in the African cycling revolution, striving to continue his legacy and inspire future generations of riders.
The rise of Eritrean cycling is a multifaceted phenomenon involving historical, cultural, and competitive elements. Since its introduction during Italian colonial rule in the late 19th century, cycling has become a vital part of Eritrean culture, uniting fans and athletes alike. Recent achievements in international competitions have elevated the visibility of Eritrean cyclists, particularly notable figures such as Biniam Girmay and Henok Mulubrhan, who exemplify the talent emerging from Africa. This context underscores the importance of accessibility to competitive cycling opportunities within the continent, emphasizing the need for systemic changes to support and cultivate local talent. The increasing global recognition of Eritrean cyclists is a testament to their hard work and dedication to the sport. Furthermore, upcoming events such as the World Road Championships in Rwanda present great potential for showcasing African talent on an international level. However, there remains a significant gap in opportunities for young riders to compete regularly, as articulated by Mulubrhan and reflected in the experiences of many other athletes seeking professional contracts.
In summary, Henok Mulubrhan represents the spirit of African cycling, demonstrating extraordinary ambition and talent. His reflections on the growth of Eritrean cycling, coupled with aspirations for increased opportunities for young athletes, highlight both the achievements and ongoing challenges within the sport. As Mulubrhan and other riders strive for excellence in upcoming international competitions, the potential for an African cycling renaissance appears promising, contingent on increased support and competitive opportunities.
Original Source: olympics.com
