Women’s cycling in Africa: A journey full of pitfalls

Ethiopian cyclist Eyru Tesfoam, who has taken refuge in France as she prepares for the Paris Olympics, embodies the resilience of young African women in the face of the challenges of women’s cycling on the continent.

For Eyeru Tesfoam, cycling is more than just a means of transportation or a hobby. It’s a lifesaver. The 27-year-old Ethiopian cyclist is now a refugee in France, preparing to compete in the Paris Olympics under the banner of the Refugee Olympic Team. civil war In her native Tigray region, she is a symbol of resilience and determination for many young African women.

Financial and cultural barriers

Like many others, Eyru had to overcome financial and cultural barriers to embrace cycling. “For girls it was complicated, there were few bicycles and they were expensive,” she explains. Families were often modest and found it difficult to support a career in a sport that was considered unsuitable for women. Despite these challenges, Eyru pursued her dream, proving that passion and perseverance can overcome the highest obstacles.

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A rare but necessary match

The lack of high-level women’s competitions in Africa is another major obstacle. Outside of the African Games and the Tour de Burundi, there are few opportunities for cyclists to prove their worth. “The situation is very different from what we have seen so far,” said Jean-Pierre Van Zyl, director of the International Cycling Union (UCI) Africa. They are cycling’s forgotten men ”. A single structure of 54 countries is not enough to support the ambitions of these athletes.

Innovation for cyclists

To compensate for the lack of competitions, innovative initiatives are emerging. In Benin, under the leadership of Romuald Hazoumé, cyclists use connected bikes to train and compete in virtual races. This approach allows performance data to be collected and made visible to international teams. Yétondé Kpovihouédé is a young 23-year-old Beninese cyclist who uses these Zwift machines and dreams of competing in Europe.

The challenge of European integration

Even if they succeed in attracting the attention of European teams, African cyclist There are still many challenges ahead. Obtaining visas and adapting to new living and playing conditions are additional obstacles. Eyeru Tesfoam attests to these difficulties: “ Adaptation requires time, life, language, and shopping. »

Untapped potential

The potential of African cyclists is undeniable but largely untapped. Kimberly Coates, director of Africa Rising, advocates for better recognition and increased resources for female athletes. According to her, national federations leave too little space for women, slowing their progress.