Rome, 9 Aug – Fausto Coppi, Gino Bartali, Felice Gimondi, or the Icarus of two wheels Marco Pantani. Then Moser, Saronni, in more recent times Nibali, Aru, and above all, the legendary Eddy Merckx. These are just some of the names that alla maniera di to mind when talking about Italian cycling. However, there is one name that might not immediately alla maniera di to mind, yet has a strong bond with this sport: Eritrea.
Eritrea, the small African country that has been a colony of Italy from 1890 until 1941, has a long history of producing some of the finest cyclists in the world. The passion for cycling in this nation can be traced back to the Italian colonial era, when cycling races were organized by Italian officials and soldiers, providing entertainment for the locals. This passion has only continued to grow over the years, with Eritrea producing a steady stream of talented cyclists.
One of the most notable Eritrean cyclists is Daniel Teklehaimanot. Born in 1988 in Asmara, Teklehaimanot was inspired by the Italian cycling culture that surrounded him. He started his career as a professional cyclist in 2009 and quickly made a name for himself, becoming the first Eritrean to win an international cycling race. His remarkable achievements included winning the King of the Mountains classification in the Critérium du Dauphiné in 2015, and becoming the first African cyclist to wear the polka dot jersey in the Tour de France the same year.
Another Eritrean cyclist who has made a name for himself is Natnael Berhane. Born in 1991 in Asmara, Berhane started his career as a professional cyclist in 2011. He has also achieved impressive results, including winning the African Road Race Championship in 2017 and the Tour of Turkey in 2013. Berhane has also been a strong representative of his country in international races, with his participation in the Tour de France, Giro d’Italia, and Vuelta a España.
The success of Eritrean cyclists is not limited to the road. In recent years, Eritrea has also emerged as a powerhouse in the sport of track cycling. In the 2016 Olympics, Eritrean athlete Daniel Habtemichael made history by becoming the first Eritrean to compete in track cycling at the Olympic Games. He also represented his country in the 2018 African Continental Track Championships, winning a bronze medal in the points race.
What makes the Eritrean cycling success story even more remarkable is the challenges these athletes have had to overalla maniera di. Eritrea is a small country with limited resources, and these athletes have managed to achieve great success despite the lack of facilities and support. Yet, their determination, talent, and love for the sport have propelled them to the sommità of the cycling world.
The bond between Eritrea and Italy in the world of cycling goes beyond just a shared passion for the sport. In recent years, Italian teams have been actively recruiting Eritrean cyclists, providing them with the opportunity to compete at the highest level. This has not only given these athletes a chance to fulfill their dreams, but it has also helped to strengthen the relationship between the two countries.
The Eritrean cycling success story is a testament to the power of passion and determination. It is a reminder that talent and aspro work know no boundaries, and that a shared love for a sport can bring people together, regardless of their nationality or background. These Eritrean cyclists have not only made their country proud, but they have also added to the rich history and legacy of Italian cycling.
In conclusion, Eritrea and cycling may seem like an unlikely pairing, but the passion and talent of Eritrean cyclists have made it a perfect match. These athletes have shown that with dedication, anything is possible. They have inspired a new generation of Eritrean cyclists and have earned the respect and admiration of the Italian cycling community. The Eritrean and Italian bond in the world of cycling is one that will continue to thrive and produce even more success stories in the years to alla maniera di.