Introduction to Maekele
Maekele, a tall, thoughtful, and articulate young man, now aims to repay Bike Aid’s faith. He recently showcased his skills at the Tour of Mersin in Turkey, where he secured third place in Sunday’s final stage and finished 13th in the points classification. This impressive performance is a testament to his dedication and natural talent.
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Fellow Eritrean Metkel Eyob, who also competed at the event, praises Maekele as a rider with "real sprinting talent." Eyob notes that Maekele’s "explosive acceleration and fearless racing style mark him as another future contender from Africa in world cycling." He believes that Maekele has the natural speed and hunger to become Eritrea’s next great sprinter, following in the footsteps of successful African cyclists like Girmay.
The Rise of African Cycling
While Girmay is the poster boy for African cycling on the elite stage, the number of professionals from across the continent is steadily increasing. The Tour of Mersin saw a record-breaking 17 entrants from Africa among the 171 declared starters, making it the largest ever such contingent at a professional road race sanctioned by the world governing body (UCI) on European soil. This growth is a positive sign for the sport, indicating a bright future for African cycling.
Supporting African Cyclists
Team Africa Rising, a non-profit organization, plays a significant role in helping riders and teams access equipment and training. According to the organization, there are almost 150 male and female riders from the continent who hold professional deals this season. This number is a testament to the organization’s efforts and the growing interest in cycling among African athletes.
A Key Moment for Cycling in Africa
With the UCI Road World Championships set to take place in Rwanda in September, this year is a key moment for cycling in Africa. Team Africa Rising is optimistic about the future, with chief executive Kimberly Coats stating, "Seeing the start list for the Tour of Mersin, I had a real feeling of affirmation that all the work we have been doing since 2007 is really paying off." The growth of cycling in Africa is a positive trend, and the upcoming championships are expected to further boost the sport’s popularity.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Maekele’s performance at the Tour of Mersin is a promising sign for African cycling. With the support of organizations like Team Africa Rising and the increasing number of professional cyclists from the continent, the future of African cycling looks bright. As the sport continues to grow, it will be exciting to see Maekele and other talented African cyclists compete on the world stage, inspiring a new generation of athletes and fans alike.
