Milkias Maekele might be just 19, but the Eritrean cyclist is already being hailed as one of Africa’s most exciting young talents. After a breakout win in a one-day race in Algeria earlier this year, whispers in the cycling world suggest his power output is on par with Biniam Girmay at the same age—the Eritrean superstar who made history by winning the green jersey at the Tour de France.
For Maekele, the comparisons are both humbling and motivating. “Many people have told me I might become the second Biniam,” he shared with BBC Sport Africa. “I am incredibly happy about this and it gives me so much motivation.”
It hasn’t been a smooth road for the young sprinter. Doubts about his future once made him consider giving up the sport entirely and joining the military, like many young men in Eritrea. But perseverance won out, and now he’s seeing the results of that decision. Earlier this month, Maekele signed a contract with German-based team Bike Aid, becoming the 24th African rider—and 11th from Eritrea—to ride for the team since it turned professional in 2013.
“Eritrea is a cycling-crazy country full of passion and raw talent,” said Bike Aid’s manager Matthias Schnapka. “Milkias’ route into international cycling has not been easy, but we genuinely believe in him.”
That belief is already paying off. At the recent Tour of Mersin in Turkey, Maekele placed third in the final stage and finished 13th overall in the points classification. Fellow Eritrean and pro cyclist Metkel Eyob believes Maekele is one to watch, citing his “explosive acceleration and fearless racing style” as signs of a future star. “He has the natural speed and hunger to become Eritrea’s next great sprinter,” Eyob said.
As Girmay continues to fly the flag for Africa on cycling’s biggest stages, more riders from the continent are pushing into the professional ranks. At the Tour of Mersin alone, 17 African cyclists took part—the largest group ever from the continent in a UCI-sanctioned European race.
According to Team Africa Rising, a non-profit dedicated to developing cycling across the continent, nearly 150 male and female riders from Africa hold professional contracts this season. With the UCI Road World Championships set to be held in Rwanda this September—the first time the event will take place on African soil—2025 is shaping up to be a landmark year for African cycling.
Kimberly Coats, CEO of Team Africa Rising, sees it as the culmination of years of effort. “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,” she said. “This year is a key moment for cycling in Africa. It is just brilliant to see the growth.”
And it’s not just Eritrea making waves. Ethiopia’s Kiya Rogora, riding for X-Speed United, is also beginning to shine. “I am still learning my craft,” the 21-year-old told the BBC. “Being at these big European races is the best way to do this. Seeing my fellow East African riders at these races really inspires me. It can be lonely sometimes, and seeing so many guys I know in one place is just wonderful.”
While the next generation continues to rise, older athletes are also playing an essential role. Algerian
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