Eritrean Henok Mulubrhan is the winner of the 12th African Cyclist Trophy, beating his compatriot Biniam Girmay, winner for the last three years, and Morocco’s Achraf Ed Doghmy.
Henok Mulubrhan, 24, owes his distinction to his overall victory and stage wins at the Tour of Rwanda (UCI 2.1) and the Tour of Qinghai Lake in China (UCI 2.Pro).
He also won the continental title of African Champion. These performances in 2023 will enable him to move up to the World Tour for the 2024 season with the Astana Qazakstan Team.
This is the eighth time in twelve editions that an Eritrean rider has won this Trophy.
He received the highest number of votes from the jury, chaired by the five-time winner of the Tour de France, Bernard Hinault, and made up of twenty-five members including African riders, coaches and managers, organisers of cycling events on the continent and specialist African and European journalists who follow all cycling races in Africa.
This award was created eleven years ago by the organizers of the Tropicale, always ready to help the development of African cycling by rewarding the rider of the continent who has achieved the best performances of the season and succeeded in making African cycling known to the world.
Speaking in an interview, the Eritrean said that he was really happy for the win.
“ I have a dream a lot to be for best African rider 3 years am on top 5 so finally I got it ..this year is the best season I had so far on my career I won tour Rwanda and tour Qinhailake also 2 year African champion!!I jumped to the most I dreamed to be world tour rider with Astana so 2023 is my best year I will not forget this year” he noted..
Adding, “So I am really happy to be part of this prize with my name alongside the winners!! So I am really thankful for my team Green Project-Bardiani CSF-Faizane and all my teammates during this season. They are part of this trophy!! Also my family and my fans.”
