Team Amani: Paving the Way for African Women in Professional Cycling
A new force is emerging in the world of women’s professional cycling: Team amani. This groundbreaking initiative isn’t just about building a team; it’s about fundamentally changing how African cycling talent is developed and supported. It’s a project fueled by vision, experience, and a belief in the immense potential within the continent.
A Shift in Approach
For too long, the path for African cyclists aspiring to compete at the highest levels has involved relocating to Europe, frequently enough with limited support and significant cultural adjustments. team Amani is flipping that script.They’re investing in high-performance infrastructure within Africa,creating an environment where riders can thrive while remaining connected to their roots. This lasting model aims to nurture talent and then strategically open doors to European racing.
Four-time Olympian Ashleigh Moolman Pasio embodies this shift. Nearing the end of her own decorated career, she’s stepped into a crucial role as mentor and advisor. Her experience, including recent top-10 finishes in the Tour de France Femmes and Giro Donne, will be invaluable.
“When I was properly introduced to Team Amani earlier this year, I was deeply inspired by the project’s vision,” Moolman Pasio shared. “Rather than following the traditional model of sending African riders to europe and hoping they adapt, Amani is building high-performance infrastructure in Africa – where riders feel at home, supported by their own cultures and communities - and then creating pathways to Europe in a sustainable way.”
Unlocking Untapped Potential
The potential is undeniable.Team Amani isn’t just identifying talent; they’re discovering athletes with extraordinary power and, crucially, an unwavering determination. As Moolman Pasio notes, “Having seen the level of talent firsthand, I’m convinced that the potential is enormous. The power numbers are impressive, but even more inspiring is the hunger and determination of these riders.”
The team officially launched at Rouleur Live in London, marking a significant step forward. Their immediate focus is building towards a prosperous UCI debut in 2026, with even larger ambitions set for 2028.
The Ripple Effect of the World Championships
The 2025 UCI Road World Championships in Rwanda served as a powerful catalyst. It provided Team Amani riders like xaverine Nirere with invaluable experience competing against the world’s best. More importantly, it brought cycling into the spotlight for African audiences.
This visibility is critical. Seeing role models succeed inspires the next generation. Samuel Niyonkuru, a rider on the men’s team, articulated this perfectly: “Hosting the world championships here gave us motivation and belief. Many African riders now know it is indeed possible to reach the highest level.”
What’s Next for Team Amani?
* European Racing: The team will begin competing in European races next spring, gaining crucial exposure and experience.
* Continental Level Success: Team Amani aims to establish itself as a competitive force at the continental level.
* Inspiring Future Generations: The team’s success will pave the way for more African women to pursue their cycling dreams.
Team Director Delagrange is confident in his riders’ ability to make a lasting impact. “Our message to the young women on our team is that the only limitation they have now is that of their own imaginations,” he stated.
He emphasizes the importance of being trailblazers. “Trailblazers have the hard work of cutting paths where none previously existed. But once the path is paved, many will follow.”
This moment is truly consequential. it’s not just about the women on this team; it’s about the future of the sport itself. Team Amani is building more than just a cycling team – they’re building a legacy.
[image of Team Amani with caption: Team Amani is stepping up a level in 2026 but has much bigger goals for 2028 (photo: Team Amani)]
