The cycling season is in full preparation for 2024, with teams refining their plans. However, a thorny question persists, as is often the case, concerning riders without a contract. The majority of these runners find themselves in a critical phase of pure uncertainty. This problem is all the more striking among African runners. Despite Henok Muluberhan's promotion to the World Tour, many others remain without a contract, and very few manage to land a professional contract. Even with the emergence of talents such as Biniam Girmay and the enthusiasm around him, which his young compatriot Aklilu Areyfane took advantage of to join the development team linked to Intermarché Circus Wanty, the trend remains difficult for cyclists in this region who are struggling to establish themselves sustainably in the professional peloton, despite their immense potential.
HOLY Merhawi : Since he started, he was announced as the future first stage winner from black Africa on a grand tour, as well as a serious competitor for the general classification. Just 29 years, this Eritrean runner has already accomplished notable feats, which makes him one of the most experienced Africans on the current cycling scene, alongside his long-time sidekick, Louis meintjes. Issue of the Qhubeka training, his best season undoubtedly remains that of 2019, during which he brilliantly won the Tour de Rwanda, before getting on the final podium of the Tour of Türkiye, successfully measuring himself against the young rising star, Remco Evenepoel. Despite his role as a team member within his team, Kudus has accumulated over a hundred points this season, demonstrating his value as an all-around runner. It is therefore entirely legitimate that a professional team seeks to recruit him to strengthen its ranks..
Tsagbu GRAMAY : Evolving as a professional since 2013, this talented Ethiopian rider aged around thirty did not obtain the renewal of his contract within the team led by South African Brent Copeland. Over the past five years, Grmay played a vital role as an exemplary teammate within the Australian team. Currently, he holds the title of seven-time time trial champion in Ethiopia, and he has traveled a path marked by four World Tour teams since his departure from the MTN Qhubeka team, unfortunately dissolved in 2021. It is possible that he plans to find his very first manager, Douglas Ryder. However, it should be noted that the latter has already almost finalized its squad for the season 2024.
Immanuel GHEBREIGZABHIER : The African champion in 2018 concluded one of his most brilliant seasons but currently finds himself without a contract. Despite a team of 28 riders and a first camp in October at the headquarters of the cycle company Trek, the Lidl Trek team does not seem inclined to extend the Eritrean's contract, even if there are still two regulatory places available. Ghebreigzabhier came close to winning mountain stages at this year’s Giro d’Italia and Vuelta, which testifies to his merit for a place on the World Tour, even in Proteam. It is important to highlight where he is coming back from after his serious fall in the spring 2022, which makes his performance this season all the more exceptional. Places are currently very popular as most teams have already closed their rosters.
Paul DAUMONT : the Franco-Burkinabe cyclist, has traced its path since its beginnings at the World Cycling Center (CMC) at an early age, raising high hopes. Became an Olympian in August 2021, he shines on the African scene as one of the most talented couriers. The previous year, he experienced unfortunate setbacks, notably when the South African team Protouch, who seemed about to recruit him, suddenly disappeared after his internship. Famous in Burkina Faso, he has just won the National Tour with 5 stage victories to his credit. Paul Daumont is today a mature athlete, ready to seize his chance on the professional scene and shine on the continental circuit, where he will be able to demonstrate the full extent of his talent, in the heart of the ancient continent which is home to the most prestigious races.
Omar El Gouzi : Naturalized Moroccan during the previous season, this native of Veneto marked a turning point by becoming the first professional runner in the kingdom in a long time. In 2021, he left a strong impression by reaching the top twice 10 during the prestigious Baby Giro and Giro d’Aosta competitions, in the hopefuls category. After two years spent as a professional within the Bardiani team, he gained valuable experience. He remains a climber whose potential for progression remains considerable, making him an essential asset for his team in view of the first visit of the World Cycling Championships to Africa, which will be held in Kigali in 2025.
Kiya ROGORA : The African Time Trial champion Espoir began his training in Europe with the EF Education Nippo Development Team. Unfortunately, the team in which his compatriot Welay Hagos Behre had shone will disappear at the end of the season. Building on its great performances, especially during the most prestigious race in Africa, he fully deserves the opportunity to join another development structure. This year was mainly used for his integration, and it is time for him to fully flourish. It is possible that Spanish teams will show an interest in his recruitment, especially since Mulu Hailemichael has already gained experience in Spain after the dissolution of the Delko team.
Chistophe ROUGIER-LAGANE : The Mauritian stands out above all as a formidable hope for African cycling, fully deserving of an opportunity in Europe next year. Several reasons justify this perspective. First of all, its consistent performance throughout the year 2023 is a key element. From January, he showed competitiveness on the roads of the Tropicale Amissa Bongo, landing a final podium, despite strong European competition which complicates the task. Then continuing with a series of top 10 during the African championship events, Christopher confirmed his potential by placing second in the national round, then by achieving a double during the National Championships.
Yacine HAMZA: it represents an exceptional opportunity for those looking for points and success. The Algerian runner from 26 years has landed no less than 17 victories in 2023, which places him among the best performers of the Season. It is true that all his victories were obtained during class events. .2 in the Asia Tour and Africa calendars. However, its indisputable domination throughout the year on these secondary circuits, where each runner aspires to be noticed by recruiters, demonstrates his strength and consistency. It took great resistance to string together these victories and accumulate points, and Yacine Hamza has amassed an impressive total of 459. This makes it extremely attractive for teams seeking promotion to the World Tour or simply wanting to be among the 40 first in the UCI ranking, the only route to invitations for the three Grand Tours of the following season.
The days to come are of crucial importance for the future of all these runners, because they will have to progress at the highest level in order to stay the course until the first world championship in Africa in 2025. The teams also have every interest in being well represented, especially in the points race, where continental and national championships provide an opportunity to earn valuable points.
