Africa Rising Cycling Podcast

Racing Recap: We take a look at how African riders and races are doing (so far!)

As we enter June, we thought it a good time to do a quick recap on some of the big headlines in African road cycling so far, and some things to watch out for in June: * We take a look at the men's and women's UCI league tables for the 2026 season so far. Eritrea dominates the men's rankings taking the 1-5 spots, and kudos to Eritrean Natnael Tesfatsion (Movistar) [https://www.procyclingstats.com/rider/natnael-tesfatsion]for topping the men's league table, the first time Biniam Girmay has been de-throned in several years! * We talk through some of the big moments from the recent UCI 2.2 Tour du Benin * We hear from special guest Michel Mayer, the President of Mauritius Cycling and on the organising committee of the Tour of Mauritius (starting today - 2 June). Start-list on ProCyclingStats here. [https://www.procyclingstats.com/race/tour-de-maurice/2026/startlist] * Some initial insights on the Tour of Cameroon (starts on 3 June) Start-list on ProCyclingStats here. [https://www.procyclingstats.com/race/tour-du-cameroun/2026/startlist] * and finally: a quick preview of the dozen or so National Road Cycling Championships taking place in late June. You can see a full list on our website HERE. [https://teamafricarising.org/2026-africa-uci-calendar/] We hope you enjoy this episode! Let us know feedback in the comments!

Truly Africa's Team: The Amazing Work of Team BIKE AID

In this episode, we sat down with Matthias Schnapka, the owner of Team BIKE AID, [https://www.bikeaid.de/en] one of the most prolific supporters of young African professional cyclists in history. BIKE AID is a German professional cycling team founded in 2005 as a non-profit association, and based on a unique cycling community of over 1,200 supporters. BIKE AID stands for enjoying cycling, nature and social commitment. Matthias has been a long-term supporter of bringing young African talent to the international cycling world, since his visit to the Tour of Togo in 2013. On the podcast, he talks through his journey in creating and building Team BIKE AID; some of the incredible talents he has seen come through like Dawit Yemane [https://www.procyclingstats.com/rider/dawit-yemane], Milkias Maekele [https://www.procyclingstats.com/rider/milkias-maekele] and Meron Amanuel [https://www.procyclingstats.com/rider/meron-amanuel-mengstab]; the team's unique #rideforafrica jersey [https://www.bikeaid.de/en/racing/racing_article/title-rideforafrica_your_jersey_for_a_good_cause/article-67ea961f6be5d] (a part of the sales of which fund development grants for young African riders - in partnership with Africa Rising Cycling); and his thoughts on the latest Eritrean talents he has on the squad for 2026: Yoel Habteab [https://www.procyclingstats.com/rider/yoel-habteab], Even Yemane [https://www.procyclingstats.com/rider/even-yemane] and Nahom Efriem [https://www.procyclingstats.com/rider/nahom-efriem]. We hope you enjoy this conversation with a truly influential and yet very humble man in African cycling development.

Merhawi Kudus - A True Pioneer of African Professional Cycling

We are most excited to share this podcast today! Merhawi "Mera" Kudus [https://www.procyclingstats.com/rider/merhawi-kudus] is truly one of the pioneers of African professional cycling. After excelling for the UCI World Cycling Center, he joined the MTN Qhubeka Team [https://www.procyclingstats.com/team/mtn-qhubeka-2014/overview/start] in 2014 alongside some of the big names in African cycling: Louis Meintjes, Adrien Niyonshuti, Tsgabu Grmay, Daniel Teklehaimanot and Reinardt Janse van Rensburg. The success of these early Eritrean riders laid the foundations for the next generation like Biniam Girmay and Natnael Tesfatsion to build on, and with a third generation of young sensations like Nahom Efriem [https://www.procyclingstats.com/rider/nahom-efriem] (BIKE AID) and Milkias Maekele [https://www.procyclingstats.com/rider/milkias-maekele//] (INEOS Grenadiers) coming through strong again. We talked to Mera about his journey, his inspiration, his different teams, favourite races and moments, and his thoughts for the key areas of focus for young riders. We hope you enjoy this time with one of the true greats of African cycling. Elelelelelelele!

Alexandre Mayer - Meet Mauritius' Top Male Rider

In our latest podcast, we sat down with Alexandre Mayer [https://www.procyclingstats.com/rider/alexandre-mayer], the leading male cyclist from the island of Mauritius. The 28-year-old rider is in his second year at the Pro Continental level with the Burgos Burpellet BH team, alongside Merhawi Kudus. Alex took the 'Best African' jersey at the 2.2 Tour du Benin and when we spoke he was next heading to Azerbaijan for the 2.1 Baku Khankendi Cycling Race there (he will be racing stage three there when this podcast is published). He is always remarkably honest and open, and talks passionately about his recent marriage to fellow Mauritian cyclist Lucie de Marigny-Lagesse [https://www.procyclingstats.com/rider/lucie-de-marigny-lagesse//] - who went pro in 2026 with the WCC Team - and how they are sharing their journey together. We hope you enjoy this discussion!

Introducing Salami Avocetien - The 21yo Rising Star of African Cycling Development

In this episode, Kim and Jeremy on our team sat down with Salami Avocetien of the Benin Cycling Federation. At just 21 years old, he speaks French, English, four local languages, has his UCI Level 2 Coaching Qualification (Level 3 will be achieved in one month), made his debut as a DS (Directeur Sportif) at Tour du Benin - accompanied by our CEO Kimberly Coats - for the Benin National Team , heads to the UCI this summer for a 3-month internship, and will complete a Masters degree as well. He is a truly remarkable young man. With Benin seeing its first rider get a professional contract in 2026 (Georgette Vignonfodo - WCC Women's Team), Salami might be the next biggest thing to come out of cycling in Benin, and across West Africa. The future for this young man is so bright in our sport. Have a listen to his story...