How African cycling can become a global player

1 % Better - Hidden Stories in Sport

Off the back of Biniam Girmay’s historic performance at the Tour de France, Xylon and David discuss African cycling as a means to further discuss talent identification, cultivation and cultural challenges in sport. They also chat to professional cyclist Merhawi Kudus, one of the first black Africans (along with Daniel Teklehaimanot) to ride in the Tour de France, about African cycling, Biniam and what needs to be done to have better representation in the peloton.

(00:00) Introduction

(00:30) David’s Running in Chamonix

(02:50) HRV Learnings

(04:48) Xylon’s Recent Running

(06:29) Why Intensity Control is so Important in Endurance Training

(08:57) Community Shoutouts

(12:03) Interview with Merhawi Kudus

(13:33) Where did Merhawi’s Inspiration to Become a Cyclist come from?

(14:43) When did Merhawi Realise he could become a Professional Cyclist?

(15:20) What is life like in a UCI Cycling Center?

(16:10) What was it like for Merhawi going to Europe?

(17:37) How was it for Merhawi Adapting to European Culture?

(19:15) Who were the other Riders in the Center with Merhawi?

(19:54) What Kept Merhawi Going When Others Gave up?

(21:29) What was Merhawi’s Experience like as a black African in the Peloton?

(23:22) Does Merhawi have Younger Riders Reaching out to him as a Role Model?

(23:50) When did Merhawi First meet Biniam Girmay?

(24:39) How did Merhawi Feel Seeing Biniam Performing so well at the Tour de France this Year?

(26:51) Are Most Eritrean Riders Climbers?

(27:41) Will Biniam’s Achievements Open the Door for African Cycling?

(29:30) Does Merhawi Think Mentorship of Young African Cyclists is Important in the Context of Elite Cycling Team Staff?

(30:20) How is Professional Cycling Changing at the Moment?

(32:03) Does Merhawi Worry that Africa Could Fall Further Away Given the Advancements in Technology in Cycling?

(33:26) Does Merhawi Think we need more Racing in Africa?

(35:04) What Does Merhawi think Hosting the World Championships will mean for Africa?

(37:29) Thought off the Back of Biniam’s Victory

(39:21) Will Biniam’s Victory Mean we see Significant Progress and more Opportunities?

(42:21) Talent Identification

(44:23) Challenges with Access to Talent Identification Opportunities

(46:00) Misaligned Incentives in Talent Identification in Cycling and Examples of Better Alignment in Other Sports

(49:12) Academy Systems and Culturally Appropriate Solutions

(52:20) Why Cultural Diversity is Important in Sport

(57:51) Why are there Not More East African Cyclists?

(58:55) The Importance of Role Modelling and Heros in Sport

(62:05) The Physiology of African Cyclists

(63:45) The Progress Xylon has Seen in Developing African Cyclists

(64:51) Development Structures

(66:48) Cultural Integration Challenges

(70:45) Cultural Diversity and Development Structures

(75:22) Talent Identification Systems and the Academy & Institute Systems

(82:00) Xylon’s Work in Cycling in Africa

(83:24) The July 1% Better Challenge

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