23/07/2022
We've been working on this piece for weeks. Writing about African cycling emphasizes how much needs to be done and how many of us need to work together to help these incredible cyclists make it to the top levels of the sport. We've seen the recent success of Biniam Girmay, and this week, Louis Meintjes from South Africa sitting 7th in the GC. There are thousands more on the continent.
Racism is a societal issue, and in the US, it feels like we are taking two steps backward for every one step forward. We studied the UCI data, which exposed some interesting trends. To simply say racism is the key driver to the reason why there are not more Black Africans at the World Tour level is to miss all the other obstacles hindering cyclists today. Yes, racism exists. I've seen it happen in real-time with riders, and it must be condemned at every turn. But the additional challenges are long, and answers are not easy. It's up to all of us to remove these obstacles or minimize their impact to ensure next year's Tour de France does not look like this year's Tour.
As one of our fans whose son races at the World Tour level said, "If the playing field were equal for all riders, the overall quality of the current World Tour pro cycling peloton and races would augment considerably. Imagine fútbol without African representation? Imagine the recent World Athletic Championships without a single competitor from Africa? Without African riders, the World Tour is missing massive talent and opportunities."
It's time for real change, starting with the UCI, CAC and all African National Federations.
https://teamafricarising.org/black-african-cyclists-tdf/
