Milkias Maekele may look young, but at 19, he already shows the confidence of a champion cyclist.
After winning a one-day race in Algeria this year, the Eritrean sprinter is being compared to fellow countryman Biniam Girmay, who won the green jersey at last year’s Tour de France.
Some say Maekele’s performance and cycling stats are similar to Girmay’s when he was the same age, making many excited about his future.
“People tell me I could be the next Biniam,” Maekele told BBC Sport Africa. “That makes me very happy and gives me a lot of motivation.”
Still, his journey hasn’t been easy.
“I was nervous and had doubts,” he said. “I wondered if I was good enough or if I should join the army like many others my age back home.”
But instead of going back to Asmara, Eritrea’s capital, Maekele kept training and recently signed a contract with Bike Aid, a professional cycling team.
He is now the 24th African rider—and the 11th from Eritrea—to join the German-based team since 2013.
“Eritrea loves cycling and has many talented riders,” said team manager Matthias Schnapka. “Milkias had a tough path to reach this level, but we truly believe in him.”
Chasing Victory with Speed
Maekele, a tall and smart young rider, now wants to thank Bike Aid for believing in him.
He started doing that at the Tour of Mersin in Turkey, where he finished third in the final stage and came 13th in the points standings.
Another Eritrean cyclist, Metkel Eyob, who also raced there, said Maekele has “real sprinting talent.”
“His quick speed and brave racing show he could be Africa’s next big name in cycling,” said Eyob. “He has the speed and drive to become Eritrea’s top sprinter.”
Girmay is currently the most famous African cyclist, but more riders from the continent are joining the professional ranks.
At the Tour of Mersin, 17 African riders took part out of 171 starters — the largest number ever in a professional European road race approved by cycling’s world body (UCI).
Team Africa Rising, a group that supports African riders with gear and training, says nearly 150 male and female cyclists from Africa have pro contracts this season.
This is great news with the UCI Road World Championships coming to Africa for the first time in September, hosted by Rwanda.
“When I saw the start list for the Tour of Mersin, I felt proud — it showed our hard work since 2007 is paying off,” said Kimberly Coats, head of Team Africa Rising.
“This year is very important for African cycling. It’s amazing to see how much it’s growing.”
More African Cyclists Join the World Stage
When African cyclists first started racing in Europe about 10 years ago, many had to compete alone. They didn’t have teammates and often felt like outsiders.
Now, things are different. More African riders are joining full teams, and that helps them feel more included in the racing group, called the peloton.
Kimberly Coats explained, “Cycling is really hard, and only the riders around you truly understand it. If you’re surrounded by people you don’t relate to, it’s tough. But when you have teammates you connect with, it helps you stay strong mentally during races.”
One young rider, Kiya Rogora from Ethiopia, is a good example. He rides for the X-Speed United team and is still learning.
“I’m still improving,” said the 21-year-old. “Racing in Europe is the best way to learn because it’s very fast and competitive.”
He added, “Seeing other East African riders at these races really motivates me. It can feel lonely sometimes, so meeting familiar faces makes it much better.”
Inspiring the next generation
On the older side of the cycling world is Azzedine Lagab from Algeria, who rides for Madar Pro Cycling Team. At 38 years old and in his 14th professional season, he is known as one of Africa’s smartest and most skilled riders.
He sets a good example for younger riders from South Africa and Algeria on his team, which is the highest-ranked team in Africa.
“I don’t see myself as a leader, but it feels good when younger riders show me respect,” he said. “In Turkey, some told me I inspire them, and that made me really happy.”
South African rider Stefan de Bod won the Tour of Mersin, and seven African riders finished in the top 25.
Even more African cyclists are expected to race in Europe soon as they prepare for a big event in Rwanda this September.
People are now wondering if cycling could become Africa’s second most popular sport — and with so much growth, it just might.