While the spotlight often shines on Biniam Girmay, the Eritrean cyclist with the potential to become the first black cyclist to win a stage of the Tour de France, another talented Eritrean rider, Henok Mulubrhan, is quietly making his mark in the world of cycling.
Henok Mulubrhan, who is five months older than Girmay, was named the African Cyclist of the Year in 2023. His 2024 season has commenced with his new team, Astana Qazaqstan, at the AlUla Tour in Saudi Arabia, where he grabbed attention by finishing second in the second stage.
Got 2 place on stage 2 @thealulatour First podium of the season pic.twitter.com/VGsY964zDP
— HENOK MULUBRHAN (@henokmulubrhan) January 31, 2024
Mulubrhan shares the dream of making history by winning a stage in the Tour de France, just like Girmay. He acknowledges that it’s uncertain who will achieve this milestone first, but he is determined to be a part of this historic moment.
However, Mulubrhan faced an unfortunate setback as he crashed out of the AlUla Tour, suffering a broken clavicle. Despite this setback, he is expected to return to the saddle in a matter of weeks.
Describing himself as an all-rounder, Mulubrhan believes in his capabilities to perform well in various cycling disciplines, from smaller climbs and sprints in shorter stage races to longer climbs and flat terrains. Like Girmay, he hails from Asmara, Eritrea’s capital.
Mulubrhan’s journey in cycling began at the age of 15 when he won his first race, a mountain bike event, convincing his initially hesitant father to support his cycling dreams. He soon transitioned to a Trek road bike, winning more local races.
In 2018, Mulubrhan received a six-month training invitation at the UCI’s World Cycling Centre in Aigle, Switzerland. During his time there, he caught the attention of the Qhubeka Continental team. However, in late December 2021, Qhubeka NextHash folded, leaving Mulubrhan’s dreams in jeopardy.
Despite this setback, Mulubrhan signed with the German third-tier team Bike Aid and continued his journey. He achieved significant success, defending his African road race title, winning the 2023 Tours of Rwanda and Qinghai Lake, and making his Grand Tour debut at the Giro d’Italia.
His impressive performance led to a two-year contract with Astana, a historic team in cycling. Mulubrhan is now focused on embracing WorldTour racing, and he aspires to participate in the Giro d’Italia once again.
With unwavering determination, Mulubrhan aims to create history and leave a lasting legacy in the world of cycling. His story is not just about personal success but also about representing his country, Eritrea, and inspiring aspiring cyclists across Africa.
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