King of the mountain at Tour De France is King of African Cycling for 2015

Daniel "King of the mountain" Teklehaimanot is elected Africa's best cyclist 2015

King of the mountain at Tour De France is King of African Cycling for 2015.


By Mike Sium | Eri-International sports

Only a few people have the ability to make history in sports events. These are people who work hard and dedicate themselves to winning and being successful. In 2015 Eritrea and it's athletes have done wonders and like many other nations, Eritrea's emergence in sports in general and cycling in particular has turned some heads all over the globe. A nation whose love for cycling goes way back in the 1920s & 30's has shown the world that while it may be located in Africa, its cyclists are top notch.

This year in a very deserving moment our rider from Eritrea has become the first African to earn one of the coveted jerseys in the Tour de France — the grueling three-week contest that has traditionally been dominated by European and American riders. Daniel claimed the polka-dot jersey for top climber at the Tour de France's Stage 6 this past summer. It is also to be recalled that Danny & Merhawi Kudus are the first black Africans to ride in pro cycling's most prestigious race.

Daniel Teklehaimanot was elected African Cyclist of the Year 2015 by a jury made up of African and European specialists and chaired by Bernard Hinault a former cyclist who won the Tour de France five times & consults the Tour De France. Daniel, the best climber of the Critérium du Dauphiné and bearer of the polka dot jersey in the Tour de France, beat his South African teammate Louis Meintjes, who took 10th place in the Vuelta and Tunisian Rafaa Chtioui (Skydive Dubai), winner of the Tropical Amissa Bongo in Gabon.

In the competition for this year's Best African Cyclist award were three other Eritreans including Merhawi Kudus, Natnael Berhane & Mekseb Debesay who all had a great year. Eritrean fans were treated to some spectacular cycling in Europe, Africa & the USA where hundreds of fans gathered in Richmond, VA during the UCI championships that took place in September 2015.

Congratulations to all Eritreans and Daniel and the entire Eritrean cycling federation and the nation of Eritrea who continues to shine in sports and other sectors that will make it a country to be reckoned with.

For Eri-International Sports

Mike Seium

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