Solidarity Cycling Academy

This program for 20 kids under 16 years old runs in Mekelle, Tigray, Ethiopia. This is the area that was hit by a terrible war and siege over the past years. There were terrible fights, people died, there was hunger and fear. But Haile Melekot, one of the few Ethiopian cyclists that had a chance to race as a semi-pro in Europe, kept training with his kids. “the kids were hungry, but I am so proud they kept training”, said Haile. After the war ended, races were resumed in cycling-mad Tigray, and it was touching to see how much joy the races brought to any thousands of spectators.

 

The Solidarity Cycling Academy is very ambitious and aims to develop a pathway towards the professional international cycling scene for some of its incredibly talented members. We have no doubts that some of them will reach World Tour level.

 

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