There has been much discussion over the last decade or more about Africa establishing itself as a major player in professional cycling.
Progress has come along in ones and twos. The likes of Biniam Girmay, Kim Le Court-Pienaar, Daniel Teklehaimanot and Ashleigh Moolman Pasio have broken barriers and achieved great things, but the tides have not yet truly turned. In fact, the number of African riders in the WorldTour has declined over the last decade.
Speaking to many who are involved in the development of cycling across the continent, the most important element that needs development is not access to European racing, equipment, or even coaching. It’s access to racing.
Dan Challis
Every cyclist, no matter where they are from, needs consistent, high-level competition to grow. They need to compare themselves with peers and with those of greater ability and experience. In Africa, those opportunities are few and inconsistently available.
What's needed is more races like the Tour de Maurice. The four-day stage race took place last week on the island of Mauritius and welcomed teams from three continents, with former WorldTour riders taking part.
Africa’s second-biggest race
In recent years, Mauritius has moved to the forefront of cycling in Africa, particularly due to the exploits of Kim Le Court-Pienaar. The AG Insurance-Soudal rider became the first African rider to win a Monument at Liége-Bastonge-Liége Femmes last year, and went on to be one of the stand-out riders at the Tour de France Femmes, winning a stage and holding yellow for four days.
Georgie Howe
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