Chris Froome: "Africa is definitely going to be the continent where we see the biggest profiles in cycling in the next decade"

At present, Chris Froome, four-time Tour de France champion, has travelled to Rwanda to attend the inauguration of a training centre in Bugesera, located in the eastern region of Rwanda. The centre has been developed by his team, Israel-Premier Tech.

"I'd love to do more racing in Africa and I think Africa is definitely going to be the continent where we see the biggest profiles in cycling in the next decade," Froome told AFP.

Read also

Froome admits to feeling "completely cross-eyed" following "brutal" Melbourne to Warrnambool

Born in Kenya, he has a strong bond with Africa and has high hopes for the growth of cycling in the region. "I think projects like this will go a long way in helping to bring the next generation of professional cyclists to Europe. When I grew up in Kenya, we didn't have anything like this.”

Many African riders have made their mark in the peloton by winning races, and Biniam Girmay is a prime example of such a cyclist who has gained widespread recognition in the last couple of years. "So, it's great to see this take shape and I believe in the next decade we're going to see the fruits of this project. I think having role models is hugely important. So Africans who have managed to get to Europe and get to the highest level of racing, it demonstrates that it is possible for Africans to reach that level," concluded Froome.

Read also

Profile & Route Omloop Het Nieuwsblad 2023