Natnael Berhane, a 22-year-old cyclist from Eritrea, secured his second consecutive title at the African Cycling Championship in Burkina Faso. The victory places him as a strong contender for the inaugural African Cyclist of the Year award, the results of which will be announced in mid-December.
Berhane dominated the competition, finishing ahead of South African cyclist Jay Thomson and his fellow Eritrean, Frekalsi Debesay. His remarkable achievements in 2012, including winning the Tour of Algeria and the French amateur classic (Le Tour DU Chablais), have established him as one of the top African cyclists.
Engaged within the UCI (Union Cycliste Internationale), Berhane’s success extends to international competitions, where he notably won a stage in the U23 Nations Cup. His earlier victories, such as becoming the first African to beat a European professional in a direct sprint during the Tour du Gabon, have contributed to his reputation as a rising star in African cycling. Often considered the successor to his elder compatriot Daniel Teklehaymanot, Berhane’s consistent performance on the international stage has solidified his position as the current best African cyclist.
