Caja Rural sign young Ethiopian talent Mulu Hailemichael

Amidst the surge of new East African talents, Pro Team Caja Rural - Seguros RGA have gone out of their regular scouting pool to sign a young Ethiopian talent, Mulu Hailemichael who will be giving the jump into a higher level of pro cycling.

Hailemichael, 23 years of age, was a former teammate of Biniam Girmay at the former NIPPO team, and has ridden for the Global Cycling Team this year. In it's final months however he was brought in to the development team of Caja Rural, where he has won several races in Spain's domestic calendar. His undeniable talent saw the Spanish team looking to secure him.

“I felt great racing this year with the development team. I have learned a lot of things and we have formed a good family. It has been a fantastic season," Hailemichael said in a press release, before talking about his plan for the upcoming year.

"My plan was clear that it was to return to professionals and I have worked hard for it. I feel very satisfied to have achieved it. Looking ahead to next year, my goal is to contribute as much as possible to the team, continue to grow together and, why not, look for some stage wins," he concluded.

A lightweight climber, the Ethiopian will be one of the country's most prominent figures and is expected to perform well in the tougher races.