London cyclists to miss world championships if no asylum interview

A gold medal-winning cyclist has been invited to compete in the World Championships in September and is awaiting an asylum interview to determine whether she can attend.

Trhas Teklehaimanot was once Ethiopia’s national champion but now lives in London as an asylum seeker because she says her home country is no longer safe because of the conflict.

The 22-year-old can only compete in the UCI Road World Championships in Switzerland if she is granted refugee status and issued a travel document. She has been waiting for her asylum interview for nearly a year.

The Home Office said it did not comment on individual cases.

Ms Truss has been invited by cycling’s global governing body, the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI), to join the Refugee Team for the September 21-29, 2024 event.

She previously won the gold medal at the 2019 African Continental Championships.

“I’ve never been to a world championship,” Ms. Truss said.

“This is truly my dream. I don’t want to miss out on this.”

West London Welcome, a community centre which has been supporting Ms Truss, has launched a petition calling for an asylum interview for her.

Joanne MacInnes, director of the community centre, said: “It’s so frustrating.

“I can imagine the interview being a week late and that would break my heart.

“She deserves it. She trains really hard.”

Ms McGuinness added: “Trass’s asylum claim is very strong. It is now just a matter of getting her interviewed, having a decision made and obtaining the necessary travel documents.”

Ms Trhas is currently undergoing training with the non-profit organisation Team Africa Rising.

Volunteer Jeremy Ford said: “She’s competed in a few national series and our dream is that she’ll finish.

“But she finished in the top 30 in both events, which is a huge accomplishment for a player of her level.”

Mr Ford added that the event was important to her.

“At 22, you’re at the pinnacle of your cycling career and the World Championships are definitely the most important race in the world, a moment to show what you’re capable of,” he added.