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This is Africa's World Championship.
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This is going to impact from south
to north and from east to west.
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The World Championship is
in Rwanda this year.
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It's pivotal.
It could go either way.
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The goal is to use the
World Championships in Africa
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as a real opportunity
to go for the rainbow jersey.
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I would like to be the next Biniam,
because he's that type of guy.
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Everyone is looking at Africa.
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The history maker, Biniam Girmay,
the rising star of Africa.
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You made history, you made history.
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You know for Africa,
you know it, Binnie.
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The goal was not to bring,
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I would say our peloton to Africa
and to be back,
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the goal was clearly to have
this championship in Africa,
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but for Africa.
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And on to the Mur de Kigali.
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It's a cobbled classic job this,
in the heart of Africa.
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Stay calm, stay safe.
People will be able to frame it.
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The future of African cycling
isn't coming. It's already here.
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It'll put Africa on the map.
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Good morning, Kigali. It's 6:00 a.m.
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The sun is rising over the land
of a thousand hills,
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and it is a very special day today.
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The UCI is expected to formally
announce Rwanda
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as the host of the 2025 Road
World Cycling Championships.
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First and foremost, I'm proud
that the World Championships
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will come to Kigali in Africa.
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First time,
I think it's a very, very big feat.
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Now, 2025 will be the year
of cycling in Africa.
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The 2025 World Road
Cycling Championships
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will be held in Rwanda.
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All other continents
have already hosted
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the Road World Championships
except Africa.
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Yes, African coffee, African tea.
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Put well water in the bottle.
Aren't you going to the club house?
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I am going.
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Are you going to mingle posho?
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-No, this water is for a shower.
-Is it good for you?
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-To shower with hot water?
-Yes, why not?
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My name is Nantume Miria,
from Uganda.
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Cyclist from Masaka Cycling Club.
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I started cycling in 2020.
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The reason why my mother
took me to cycling was
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because by then I had many groups.
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She was scared that I'll get spoiled.
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She didn't like the sport, but took
me to the sport just to take time,
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not to be in bad peer groups.
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That's how I started cycling.
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I asked her if she could really
manage doing it being a girl.
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Those from her paternal side,
had refused to let her cycle,
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claiming girls do not ride bicycles.
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But as a mother,
when I learned it was her passion,
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I allowed her to go and try.
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It was so amazing that when she went,
she was even being paid.
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She started bringing money home.
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We use this money
to take care of the home.
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All of us started loving cycling.
Even those who didn't like it.
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Miria came to South Africa
and we recognized her as a talent
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through Masaka Cycling Club
in the Uganda Cycling Association.
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Where I have brought you is where
I usually come for my recoveries.
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Maybe when I'm sad at times, I come
here, I just listen to the nature.
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I just feel the vibes of the nature.
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Like now, I just feel it.
Everything is good.
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I don't have any stress.
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I'm just looking at the plants,
at the sunset,
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listening to the cow's voice.
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Everything is good.
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Hi, I am JP Van Zyl.
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I'm a fan of African cycling
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and I work for the World Cycling
Center in Switzerland
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doing the development
on the African continent.
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Owen and his team told me
Miria's really talented,
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that she needs to deserve a place
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to come to the training camp
in Paarl, in South Africa.
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We did that prior to the Africa
Championships in Kenya.
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She didn't get tired.
She was very motivated.
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She grabbed this opportunity.
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You can see the athletes that are
just... when they have this epiphany,
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"Oh, wow, I belong here. I'm getting
better. I want to learn more."
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They're like a sponge.
They want information.
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I want those people to see me,
what I have achieved.
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They bring their children in cycling
and they also get inspired from me.
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That is keeping me going.
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Like when I think about that,
I just go,
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they need to see me
and then they come in cycling.
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The goal this year is to participate
in World Championship.
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The South African coming home
for you right now
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at the end of a long run.
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But Moolman Pasio for SD Worx
here opens up the...
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Here's Ashleigh Moolman Pasio
now going clear...
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Woman cyclist,
Ashleigh Moolman Pasio
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has walked away
with the biggest accolade.
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Ashleigh Moolman Pasio
for the longest time
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has been the sole flag bearer
for African women's cycling.
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Ashleigh Moolman Pasio
continues to represent
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local cycling with distinction.
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Moolman pulls out again,
Moolman going all the way.
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It's Ashleigh Moolman Pasio who
takes the World Champion's Jersey.
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My name is Ashleigh Moolman Pasio.
I'm South African
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and I'm currently riding for the AG
Insurance Soudal World Tour Team.
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I used to play with my friends
in the streets, riding our bikes.
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But while I was at school,
cycling was not a career path
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or it's not even something
that I even imagined,
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you know,
in South Africa at the time,
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I was involved
in traditional school sports,
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which is, like, field hockey
or athletics, tennis.
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I went to university
to study chemical engineering,
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and it was at university
that I met my husband Carl.
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From the very first moment,
actually, Carl,
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immediately noticed my potential
as a cyclist,
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because all of a sudden,
my small, petite size,
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but my strength, came together,
in terms of power to weight.
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Step by step,
it became very clear that
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cycling was a talent
and something that I should pursue.
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I came over the next year
to ride in Europe,
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but on no salary when I started,
which was in 2010.
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I mean, salaries weren't even
possible in women's cycling.
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So, the only way I could make it was,
yeah, was by riding for a local team.
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Riding throughout the year.
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So when off season happened in
Europe, I went back to South Africa,
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to compete for the local team
who was paying me a small salary.
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It's absolutely impossible
to stand a chance of a top result
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if you're not racing in Europe
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amongst the best cyclists
in the world.
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It didn't come without its
challenges, its heartaches, tears.
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In the first year
as a professional cyclist,
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I broke my collarbone three times
in the space of 12 months.
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It didn't come easy to her.
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She had to overcome
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a lot of the obstacles that
African cyclists still face today,
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but she did not give up.
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Ashleigh wants her career
to mean more than just herself.
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She understands what she achieves can
mean something else for someone else.
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So I think after 15 years
of going to world champs,
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this is potentially your last smash
at a world title.
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Yeah, and I mean,
you should feel confident about it.
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Yeah, I feel a lot of confidence.
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I've done the preparation.
I know the fitness is there.
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I know the course is well suited to
me. I've ridden the course myself.
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I know what it's like in Rwanda.
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There's going to be the energy of
Africa, there's a lot of positives,
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but I think what I do also need
to be cognizant of
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is not to go back to that sort of
"big weight on your shoulders",
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type of situation where I don't
really respond very well.
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Like, yes, it's my last crack
at a world title,
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but I've also gotta go out there
and just have fun and enjoy the race.
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We've seen you do that
in Africa multiple times.
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That's what brings results
at the end of the day.
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Yeah.
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I love Africa and I just love
the energy of the people.
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I really can't wait to be there and
race in front of an African crowd.
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It's gonna be so cool.
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-Well, let's go there and fire.
-Yep, I'm excited.
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To win a world title or an
Olympic Games is really a challenge
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when you come from countries
outside of Europe.
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Being a world champion was something
that I almost let go of,
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and I have become
one of the best in the world.
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I believe that the World
Championships in Rwanda
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is a turning point
for African cycling.
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However, it's only the start point
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because it's going to be the event
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that shows the world,
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what African cycling is all about.
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It's going to be interesting because
with the Championships in Rwanda,
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do we need more racing in Africa
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or do we need to get more Africans
to the racing in Europe?
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We've asked the question
so many times and here he comes.
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Is he gonna make it?
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She defends the rainbow jersey
in absolute fashion.
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Perfection.
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Now the home stretch
and the favorite Eddy Merckx
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wins by only half a wheel.
Merckx becomes world champ.
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And these are Pog's worlds.
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Tadej Pogacar and the rainbow jersey,
the perfect fit.
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I'm David Lappartient,
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the president of the UCI,
Union Cycliste Internationale.
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The UCI has been created
in April 1900.
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The World Championships for cycling
on the road, were born in 1921.
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It's a very specific race.
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You have the jersey
and the jersey is something unique.
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We are the only sport with a jersey.
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The rainbow jersey
is the pinnacle of the sport, really.
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It's the one jersey that everybody,
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recognizes and aspires
to wear those rainbow stripes.
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It's a dream for a rider
to wear this jersey.
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All the top riders,
they want to wear it,
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and that's something that
will make the championship unique.
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They all think,
there is no ear pieces,
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so you need to feel the race
yourself.
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It's by nation.
This is only one race in the year.
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It's on a circuit. So, we have
to crown one of the top riders.
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The World Championships
are the World Championships.
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We've never been to Africa.
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We are working
with so many nations here in Africa
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to enlarge cycling, to make cycling
one of the most popular sports
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within the continent.
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And yes, we also need
to have this event
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to showcase a little bit,
cycling in Africa to the world
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and they will see
the passion here for cycling.
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I'm Chris Froome, four times
winner of the Tour de France.
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I was born in Kenya.
Born in east Africa.
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I think we need many more races
on the African continent
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like the tour of Rwanda.
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It's probably the best opportunity
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for African cyclists
to race against Europeans.
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The key actors are Rwanda because
they have the most important race,
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Tour of Rwanda, and they
host the World Championship.
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00:15:04,200 --> 00:15:08,560
My name is Nelly Mukazayire.
I'm the Minister of sports.
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I'll say we started
with a humble beginning
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and Tour de Rwanda
got elevated to 2.1,
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which was good,
but also more challenging.
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This is a special day for us.
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00:15:24,400 --> 00:15:28,320
This edition of Tour de Rwanda
is going also to be on another level
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because it's going to bring
a greater significance
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as we build up to the UCI 2025
Road World Championship.
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I have a written speech,
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but I think
I will not follow my speech
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and I will just
speak with my heart
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because today
it's a great day for the UCI.
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After 125 years, we will celebrate
our 125 years anniversary
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on the 14th of April this year.
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So to celebrate our birthday
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we decided to come here in Rwanda.
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00:16:00,120 --> 00:16:03,600
I remember my first meeting
with President Kagame.
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00:16:03,680 --> 00:16:09,280
At the time it was the bid
to organize the 2025
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00:16:09,360 --> 00:16:13,200
UCI Cycling World Championships,
and the President was clear.
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For him, he wanted to have a legacy,
of course, to welcome the event,
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because it's a cycling nation,
but clearly to have a legacy.
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Africa deserves
to have the championship.
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It's also going to be the platform
for Africa to launch itself
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as a serious contender for big races
like the Tour de Rwanda.
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Having such a tour in Rwanda
is very helpful for any organization,
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I think in the world,
to really get the feel,
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and the requirements
for the championship in September.
237
00:17:12,880 --> 00:17:17,080
Kigali has for years shown that
they can host world class events.
238
00:17:17,160 --> 00:17:19,800
Now, that's not to say
that this World Championships
239
00:17:19,880 --> 00:17:22,040
won't be without its obstacles.
240
00:17:22,120 --> 00:17:23,960
There will be teething issues.
241
00:17:24,040 --> 00:17:25,520
There will be challenges
242
00:17:25,600 --> 00:17:28,840
compared to a first world country
like Switzerland
243
00:17:28,920 --> 00:17:31,480
or Australia hosting
the World Championships.
244
00:17:40,400 --> 00:17:43,720
The roots of cycling
are clearly in Europe
245
00:17:43,800 --> 00:17:45,520
and more specifically
246
00:17:45,600 --> 00:17:50,560
in Belgium, France, Italy,
Netherlands and Spain, probably.
247
00:17:50,640 --> 00:17:54,600
So there is probably a lack of
diversity, but we are working on it.
248
00:17:54,680 --> 00:17:58,080
Cycling's roots in Africa started
through colonial influence.
249
00:17:58,800 --> 00:18:00,600
You've got countries like Eritrea
250
00:18:00,680 --> 00:18:05,440
that is probably the most passionate
cycling nation on this continent.
251
00:18:05,520 --> 00:18:07,920
They were colonized by the Italians.
252
00:18:08,000 --> 00:18:10,920
South Africa's cycling journey
started early on
253
00:18:11,000 --> 00:18:13,440
even though it was segregated
under apartheid
254
00:18:13,520 --> 00:18:16,560
and that was through British
and Dutch colonialism.
255
00:18:16,640 --> 00:18:20,280
And then you had countries
like Morocco and Algeria.
256
00:18:20,360 --> 00:18:25,040
They've had a long cycling legacy
through their connection with France.
257
00:18:36,280 --> 00:18:40,160
Cycling there wasn't necessarily
seen as a sport.
258
00:18:40,240 --> 00:18:42,120
It's not a sport, it's a transport.
259
00:18:42,200 --> 00:18:45,160
If you look at a country
like South Africa, for example,
260
00:18:45,240 --> 00:18:49,280
I think it's a lot more advanced
than a lot of the other countries.
261
00:18:49,360 --> 00:18:53,760
It's an actual sport
that people take part in.
262
00:18:53,840 --> 00:18:56,360
Whereas through
other parts of Africa,
263
00:18:56,440 --> 00:18:59,360
you may have literally
one or two events a year.
264
00:18:59,440 --> 00:19:04,200
It's been a incredible journey
of endearment.
265
00:19:04,280 --> 00:19:09,160
I think back then there was
only 14 national federations,
266
00:19:09,240 --> 00:19:10,600
and today we have 54.
267
00:19:10,680 --> 00:19:14,520
Let's not fool each other.
It didn't happen last year.
268
00:19:14,600 --> 00:19:16,600
Didn't happen the year before.
269
00:19:16,680 --> 00:19:19,000
This, where we are today,
270
00:19:19,080 --> 00:19:22,200
is because of the predecessors
and what they did before.
271
00:19:22,280 --> 00:19:25,600
If you put things in context,
we are a country,
272
00:19:25,680 --> 00:19:29,840
which is only 30 years old,
after the genocide against the Tutsi.
273
00:19:29,920 --> 00:19:34,440
So there's a path we had to go
through to build the nation.
274
00:19:34,520 --> 00:19:37,200
Rwanda's cycling story
is one of the most compelling
275
00:19:37,280 --> 00:19:39,920
and inspiring stories out of Africa.
276
00:19:40,000 --> 00:19:43,120
It's one that is born
out of trauma, resilience,
277
00:19:43,200 --> 00:19:45,360
and the transformative power
of sports.
278
00:19:50,800 --> 00:19:52,120
My name is Jamie Bissel
279
00:19:52,200 --> 00:19:58,120
and I moved to Rwanda
in October of 2013
280
00:19:58,200 --> 00:20:01,240
to start as the mechanic
for the national team.
281
00:20:03,560 --> 00:20:08,000
The origin story is, as I understand
it, as it goes back to Tom Ritchie.
282
00:20:08,080 --> 00:20:10,800
Tom Ritchie came over and
started the coffee bike program,
283
00:20:10,880 --> 00:20:13,280
but he had seen everybody...
284
00:20:13,360 --> 00:20:16,520
There was already a cycling culture,
they were pushing bicycles.
285
00:20:16,600 --> 00:20:18,560
They were moving potatoes,
carrots.
286
00:20:18,640 --> 00:20:21,760
These were old people that were
using the bicycle as a tool,
287
00:20:21,840 --> 00:20:24,720
and he looked around
and said, there's potential here.
288
00:20:24,800 --> 00:20:27,040
So Jonathan Boyer came in 2007
289
00:20:27,120 --> 00:20:30,000
and kind of converted the project
over from being
290
00:20:30,080 --> 00:20:33,200
the Rwandan coffee bike project
to Team Rwanda.
291
00:20:33,280 --> 00:20:36,160
And that's when I came in.
We were at the end of that time.
292
00:20:36,240 --> 00:20:40,320
They literally moved to the country
to support these young athletes
293
00:20:40,400 --> 00:20:43,240
who had a hunger for cycling
and a dream.
294
00:20:43,320 --> 00:20:46,520
They had what they
called the Original Five.
295
00:21:13,480 --> 00:21:17,560
My name is Uwimana Rafiki
Jean de Dieu.
296
00:21:17,640 --> 00:21:19,400
I'm a former cyclist,
297
00:21:19,480 --> 00:21:24,840
and now I work as bike mechanic
and bike tour guide.
298
00:21:24,920 --> 00:21:31,000
Hi, I'm Adrien Niyonshuti.
I'm from Rwanda, former pro cyclist.
299
00:21:32,480 --> 00:21:37,320
In the beginning
it was "Project Rwanda"
300
00:21:37,400 --> 00:21:42,080
and after "Project Rwanda"
become "Team Rwanda"
301
00:21:42,160 --> 00:21:46,880
after "Team Rwanda"
and it become "Africa Rising".
302
00:21:48,000 --> 00:21:53,240
End of 2006, I have a chance
I meet Jock Boyer,
303
00:21:53,320 --> 00:21:57,720
Our coach, Jonathan Boyer,
he tested many riders,
304
00:21:57,800 --> 00:22:00,840
so I was very surprised
to be in top five.
305
00:22:00,920 --> 00:22:05,680
From there, just like, you know,
everything opened on my eye
306
00:22:05,760 --> 00:22:10,240
and I start believing
I can become a professional.
307
00:22:10,320 --> 00:22:13,240
I remember,
I always asked Jock Boyer,
308
00:22:13,320 --> 00:22:16,960
"you going to leave us and go back
to USA" and Jock, he say,
309
00:22:17,040 --> 00:22:21,200
"No, Adrien, I'll be here
until you guys achieve your goal".
310
00:22:21,280 --> 00:22:27,360
We did a good job to put the country
to the world map.
311
00:22:27,440 --> 00:22:30,800
Adrien Niyonshuti
is a remarkable human being,
312
00:22:30,880 --> 00:22:34,160
and he's someone who lost six
of his brothers during the genocide,
313
00:22:34,240 --> 00:22:39,640
and Adrien went on to become an
Olympian and a world tour cyclist.
314
00:22:39,720 --> 00:22:41,200
The highest level of cycling.
315
00:22:41,280 --> 00:22:46,120
I think Rwanda Cycling
and the World Championships,
316
00:22:46,200 --> 00:22:47,360
that's where it started.
317
00:22:47,440 --> 00:22:53,240
The 2025 UCI Road World Championships
coming to Kigali, Rwanda
318
00:22:53,320 --> 00:22:57,480
is a direct correlation to the work
that people like Jock Boyer
319
00:22:57,560 --> 00:23:00,360
and Kimberly Coats
did with Team Rwanda.
320
00:23:00,440 --> 00:23:04,640
I don't think if it was for the
groundwork they did 20 years ago,
321
00:23:04,720 --> 00:23:06,280
we would be where we are today.
322
00:23:06,360 --> 00:23:09,800
There are over 100
African cyclists across genders,
323
00:23:09,880 --> 00:23:13,040
racing at different levels
of professional cycling.
324
00:23:13,120 --> 00:23:18,280
Biniam Girmay is the role model
for African cycling today.
325
00:23:32,520 --> 00:23:37,960
But Girmay is gonna hold off Mathieu
Van Der Poel, and he makes history!
326
00:23:38,040 --> 00:23:43,080
The history maker, the Eritrean,
the Rising Star of Africa,
327
00:23:43,160 --> 00:23:47,400
a brilliant ride from Biniam Girmay.
328
00:23:47,480 --> 00:23:49,480
Yes, if we were
329
00:23:49,560 --> 00:23:55,840
to talk about the past
history honestly,
330
00:23:56,840 --> 00:24:03,040
they weren't many
Black Africans that compete and win.
331
00:24:03,120 --> 00:24:08,240
We only participated but now to have
victories, in World Tour Races,
332
00:24:08,320 --> 00:24:10,360
especially in Classic for me.
333
00:24:10,440 --> 00:24:14,680
It gives me great pride
because it's the first time
334
00:24:14,760 --> 00:24:19,160
that Black Africans are winning
in Grand Tour and Classics.
335
00:24:19,240 --> 00:24:25,040
I hope that what I have accomplished
till now will inspire Black Africans
336
00:24:25,120 --> 00:24:26,960
and grow their numbers.
337
00:24:27,040 --> 00:24:32,800
At this stage,
I hope to be an example,
338
00:24:32,880 --> 00:24:36,120
for future riders.
339
00:24:36,200 --> 00:24:39,600
Because I think the future
340
00:24:39,680 --> 00:24:44,040
of African cycling is bright,
341
00:24:44,120 --> 00:24:47,160
and everyone loves it
342
00:24:47,240 --> 00:24:51,280
from the bottom of their heart.
343
00:24:51,360 --> 00:24:57,720
I think about my success
that has come,
344
00:24:57,800 --> 00:25:02,960
or what I have accomplished
at the moment.
345
00:25:03,040 --> 00:25:05,560
It will have a huge impact.
346
00:25:10,960 --> 00:25:12,600
I would like to be the next Biniam
347
00:25:12,680 --> 00:25:17,240
because he's that type of guy
everyone is looking at now in Africa.
348
00:25:17,320 --> 00:25:21,880
He is the role model for the boys.
I want to be Biniam for the girls.
349
00:25:21,960 --> 00:25:26,920
He's n a perfect position
to try and win this stage.
350
00:25:27,000 --> 00:25:32,400
Oliver Naesen starts to open up the
sprint for the team of Decathlon...
351
00:25:37,280 --> 00:25:38,920
Girmay is there.
352
00:25:39,000 --> 00:25:42,880
Right on the wheel is Mads Pederson
and it is right in the center.
353
00:25:42,960 --> 00:25:46,960
Mads Pedersen, Pedersen, Girmay.
Biniam Girmay!
354
00:25:47,040 --> 00:25:52,160
Biniam Girmay wins his first stage
of the Tour de France for Eritrea!
355
00:25:52,240 --> 00:25:56,120
All the Eritreans and Africans,
we must be proud.
356
00:25:56,200 --> 00:25:59,120
Now we are really part
of the big races
357
00:25:59,200 --> 00:26:01,960
and then we success
a lot of victories.
358
00:26:02,040 --> 00:26:04,840
So now it's our moment,
it's our time.
359
00:26:04,920 --> 00:26:08,280
Biniam Girmay winning three stages
and the green jersey, it's amazing.
360
00:26:08,360 --> 00:26:11,320
Even more with the
first Road World Championships
361
00:26:11,400 --> 00:26:14,200
in Black Africa coming in Rwanda
in September.
362
00:26:14,280 --> 00:26:16,120
So naturally, it's not like,
363
00:26:16,200 --> 00:26:20,760
"What if, maybe, that cycling
will grow in Africa?"
364
00:26:20,840 --> 00:26:22,400
We have an exceptional champion.
365
00:26:22,480 --> 00:26:25,280
I think Biniam continues the legacy.
366
00:26:25,360 --> 00:26:31,760
He now creates a possibility
for young Africans to dream,
367
00:26:31,840 --> 00:26:34,520
to know that it is possible
to win a jersey
368
00:26:34,600 --> 00:26:37,360
and be on the podium
at the Tour de France.
369
00:26:38,960 --> 00:26:40,960
- Miria, it's JP.
-Yes, sir.
370
00:26:41,040 --> 00:26:44,280
Oh, nice to hear from you, coach.
Hello.
371
00:26:44,360 --> 00:26:46,960
Do you have a minute?
I have some good news.
372
00:26:47,040 --> 00:26:48,280
Yes, I have a minute.
373
00:26:48,360 --> 00:26:51,400
Miria, after the training camp
in South Africa,
374
00:26:51,480 --> 00:26:53,600
the way that you were dedicated,
375
00:26:53,680 --> 00:26:55,480
the way that you performed,
376
00:26:55,560 --> 00:26:58,360
the way that you showed
your discipline,
377
00:26:58,440 --> 00:27:03,000
and especially after the Kenyan
Championships, Africa Championships.
378
00:27:03,080 --> 00:27:04,280
With your performance,
379
00:27:04,360 --> 00:27:10,640
we decided to select you as part of
the Africa 2025 UCI training camp.
380
00:27:10,720 --> 00:27:15,680
We will be going to Kigali and we'll
also be going to Brittany in France
381
00:27:15,760 --> 00:27:18,880
to prepare for the Kigali
World Championships.
382
00:27:18,960 --> 00:27:22,640
Those are the best news
I have ever received.
383
00:27:22,720 --> 00:27:25,520
I don't know, right now,
I feel like I want to cry.
384
00:27:25,600 --> 00:27:30,360
I don't know whether I'm feeling,
whether this feeling is real,
385
00:27:30,440 --> 00:27:34,800
whether I should be sad or happy,
because I've never expected this.
386
00:27:36,520 --> 00:27:39,360
-This is a dream come true.
- Miria, dreams come true.
387
00:27:41,560 --> 00:27:43,120
There are so many barriers
388
00:27:43,200 --> 00:27:46,640
and obstacles to African cyclists
making it at the top level.
389
00:27:46,720 --> 00:27:50,240
I think one of the obvious ones is
visa, which limits your travel,
390
00:27:50,320 --> 00:27:53,640
depending on the opportunities
that you have.
391
00:27:57,960 --> 00:28:01,600
On my side, compared
to other cyclists in Uganda,
392
00:28:01,680 --> 00:28:04,520
they might get difficulty
getting their visa
393
00:28:04,600 --> 00:28:09,160
and it was fair now that I got
my visa though it wasn't in time,
394
00:28:09,240 --> 00:28:12,440
but I managed to get it, like,
but other cyclists,
395
00:28:12,520 --> 00:28:15,480
it takes, like, four months,
three months.
396
00:28:15,560 --> 00:28:21,840
I pray that you reach well.
397
00:28:21,920 --> 00:28:25,320
I think they're starting
to know what cycling is in Africa.
398
00:28:25,400 --> 00:28:30,040
And two years after this, Africa
is going to be shining in cycling.
399
00:28:32,520 --> 00:28:39,280
It's a very, very big step in life
and I think every cyclist likes this,
400
00:28:39,360 --> 00:28:41,400
to be in France.
401
00:28:44,160 --> 00:28:48,280
I'm going to learn, but once I learn,
I'll bring back to the country.
402
00:28:55,920 --> 00:29:00,880
The big difference training
or preparing for competition
403
00:29:00,960 --> 00:29:07,680
and even racing in Europe is that,
yeah, cycling is a culture here.
404
00:29:07,760 --> 00:29:13,360
It's much safer and that just means
that as a woman you can,
405
00:29:13,440 --> 00:29:17,520
you have the independence to train
or to practice your profession.
406
00:29:17,600 --> 00:29:19,640
Cycling was life changing.
407
00:29:19,720 --> 00:29:24,080
It really helped me
to become a more confident woman.
408
00:29:24,160 --> 00:29:28,040
But then coming to Europe was where
it was the real ticket to freedom.
409
00:29:28,120 --> 00:29:31,600
It's quite a big shift.
410
00:29:31,680 --> 00:29:35,360
You're leaving your home country,
your continent, your family.
411
00:29:35,440 --> 00:29:39,000
I was nobody, although I was
the best cyclist in South Africa
412
00:29:39,080 --> 00:29:43,840
the best cyclist in Africa at the
time, I had to find my own way.
413
00:29:43,920 --> 00:29:48,880
At that time, it meant not being
afraid, it meant taking risks.
414
00:29:48,960 --> 00:29:51,680
For many years, I was the flag bearer
415
00:29:51,760 --> 00:29:56,600
and the example to South Africa
and to the whole continent of Africa.
416
00:29:56,680 --> 00:29:57,920
And now we have Kim.
417
00:30:00,280 --> 00:30:02,720
And I was given a call
by the team owner
418
00:30:02,800 --> 00:30:04,480
and the boss at AG Insurance said,
419
00:30:04,560 --> 00:30:06,120
"Ask Ashleigh what she thinks.
420
00:30:06,200 --> 00:30:08,960
If she thinks Kim
is worth the investment,
421
00:30:09,040 --> 00:30:10,880
we will put her on the team".
422
00:30:10,960 --> 00:30:14,000
And I said yes,
"Kim has a mind for racing".
423
00:30:14,080 --> 00:30:15,600
But I do hope that...
424
00:30:15,680 --> 00:30:19,760
I know, for example,
that what I've done over the years
425
00:30:19,840 --> 00:30:24,040
has allowed Kim
to be where she is today
426
00:30:24,120 --> 00:30:27,120
and to be able to realize her dream.
427
00:30:53,640 --> 00:30:56,960
They don't even have a budget
for plane tickets.
428
00:30:57,040 --> 00:31:00,280
It's a continental team that can
participate in Étoile de Besseges,
429
00:31:00,360 --> 00:31:01,880
races like that.
430
00:31:01,960 --> 00:31:03,880
But they don't have the money.
431
00:31:03,960 --> 00:31:06,920
If they teams like those
have good bikes and equipment,
432
00:31:07,000 --> 00:31:08,200
everything's possible.
433
00:31:08,280 --> 00:31:12,040
The gap is the money.
Cycling, it's like Formula 1.
434
00:31:12,120 --> 00:31:15,920
In F1, if you don't have money,
you don't do nothing.
435
00:31:16,000 --> 00:31:17,960
On the bike, it's the same.
436
00:31:18,040 --> 00:31:22,160
We don't understand it
because for us, life is easy,
437
00:31:22,240 --> 00:31:24,360
we are so used to it.
438
00:31:35,000 --> 00:31:36,440
Equipment to me is number one.
439
00:31:36,520 --> 00:31:39,320
Number one, I think cycling is...
it's not perfect,
440
00:31:39,400 --> 00:31:42,560
but yeah, I'll say I think it's
actually doing a half decent job.
441
00:31:42,640 --> 00:31:46,960
Cycling's expensive. You need more
than shoes and a few basic things.
442
00:31:47,040 --> 00:31:51,640
I mean, we all know a top end
Tour de France bike now is 15,000€.
443
00:31:51,720 --> 00:31:55,080
So considering the cost of entry,
I mean, that's expensive for anybody.
444
00:31:55,160 --> 00:31:57,800
That's expensive for an African
or a European, American,
445
00:31:57,880 --> 00:31:58,960
it doesn't matter.
446
00:32:00,200 --> 00:32:03,400
My disc broke,
but there no... my derailleur.
447
00:32:03,480 --> 00:32:05,000
Yeah. Yeah, yeah. That's fine.
448
00:32:05,080 --> 00:32:07,600
But I didn't know
that your derailleur had gone
449
00:32:07,680 --> 00:32:09,160
or I would've brought you one.
450
00:32:09,240 --> 00:32:10,520
We'll sort it out for you.
451
00:32:10,600 --> 00:32:12,760
But yeah, I'll ask Sean
in the meantime...
452
00:32:12,840 --> 00:32:14,600
-If I can borrow one.
-Yeah, exactly.
453
00:32:14,680 --> 00:32:18,080
If he's got one in country
that you can borrow and...
454
00:32:18,160 --> 00:32:21,280
-Because we bought extra handles.
-Yeah.
455
00:32:21,360 --> 00:32:24,560
-We bought three extra handles.
-Perfect, good. All right.
456
00:32:24,640 --> 00:32:26,600
I'll message Sean,
I'm sure he's sleeping,
457
00:32:26,680 --> 00:32:29,600
so I'll hit him when he gets up.
Ask him if he's got anything.
458
00:32:29,680 --> 00:32:31,880
'cause we'll see
if we can get you a spare.
459
00:32:31,960 --> 00:32:36,680
Parts are the biggest thing.
We go through them. It's normal.
460
00:32:36,760 --> 00:32:39,040
Teams in Europe struggle
with that sometimes
461
00:32:39,120 --> 00:32:40,880
to get enough of what they need.
462
00:32:40,960 --> 00:32:42,920
And that's what
we struggle with here,
463
00:32:43,000 --> 00:32:45,800
and I think communicating
that understanding
464
00:32:45,880 --> 00:32:47,560
to the people that need to hear it.
465
00:32:47,640 --> 00:32:50,040
Because for 15 years
I've been hearing,
466
00:32:50,120 --> 00:32:52,360
"Yes, but we bought
some new bikes."
467
00:32:52,440 --> 00:32:55,000
"Did you buy parts?
We also need parts for the bikes."
468
00:32:55,080 --> 00:32:58,360
In a country like Rwanda, it's
difficult to get things like Shimano,
469
00:32:58,440 --> 00:33:00,960
SRAM, wheels, these things.
It's difficult.
470
00:33:01,040 --> 00:33:03,240
We talked about earlier
with Jonathan,
471
00:33:03,320 --> 00:33:07,480
we were talking with him,
he's broken his 105-rear derailleur.
472
00:33:07,560 --> 00:33:11,040
If we're lucky, we'll get one to him
in maybe a couple of months.
473
00:33:11,120 --> 00:33:13,080
If we're lucky.
And that's pretty fast.
474
00:33:13,160 --> 00:33:16,080
Can you imagine
if we said that to somebody in,
475
00:33:16,160 --> 00:33:18,840
Germany, France or whatever,
they'll go to the bike shop.
476
00:33:18,920 --> 00:33:21,080
And worst case they buy it,
it's no problem.
477
00:33:21,160 --> 00:33:25,360
-Will you race in the Tour de France?
-Yes.
478
00:33:28,000 --> 00:33:33,800
And you will win too, right?
Anyway...
479
00:33:33,880 --> 00:33:35,320
What are you chewing?
480
00:33:35,400 --> 00:33:38,200
Miria, give me some mangoes!
481
00:33:38,280 --> 00:33:40,800
Do you know how to grow
mangoes, Immaculate?
482
00:33:40,880 --> 00:33:43,600
My mangoes are all sweet!
483
00:33:43,680 --> 00:33:48,880
My name is Miiro Michael, the founder
and chairman Masaka Cycling Club.
484
00:33:48,960 --> 00:33:52,880
Masaka Cycling Club is found
in Central Uganda, Masaka City.
485
00:33:52,960 --> 00:33:57,520
And this club started a program,
486
00:33:57,600 --> 00:34:00,480
cycling development program,
six years ago.
487
00:34:00,560 --> 00:34:04,480
And we used to organize these black
mamba races every weekend
488
00:34:04,560 --> 00:34:06,280
and they were just for fun.
489
00:34:06,360 --> 00:34:07,680
But later on we developed
490
00:34:07,760 --> 00:34:12,240
and we saw we need to a generation
of young cyclists coming up.
491
00:34:12,320 --> 00:34:15,280
So six years ago
we started up this program
492
00:34:15,360 --> 00:34:20,400
and currently we have 50 young
cyclists that are starting from zero
493
00:34:20,480 --> 00:34:22,400
and the community is looking at them.
494
00:34:22,480 --> 00:34:23,880
And not only in cycling,
495
00:34:23,960 --> 00:34:28,880
but how it has also transformed these
young persons in the community.
496
00:34:29,920 --> 00:34:32,240
Okay, guys,
I thank you for everything.
497
00:34:32,320 --> 00:34:34,400
I thank you for the time
you've given to me
498
00:34:34,480 --> 00:34:36,800
to explain some of the things
I learned
499
00:34:36,880 --> 00:34:38,840
and share it with you.
500
00:34:38,920 --> 00:34:44,600
What I want you guys to know,
you are boys and we are girls,
501
00:34:44,680 --> 00:34:48,360
so we need help from you people
502
00:34:48,440 --> 00:34:51,520
because you are the people
who are inspiring us.
503
00:34:51,600 --> 00:34:56,560
But once you leave us behind,
we are going to leave the sport.
504
00:34:56,640 --> 00:34:59,720
And maybe I'm spoiled.
505
00:34:59,800 --> 00:35:06,160
My mother, they think my mother
gave me a lot of freedom,
506
00:35:06,240 --> 00:35:10,640
gave me a lot of freedom whereby
she allowed me to join cycling.
507
00:35:10,720 --> 00:35:16,440
They're saying your mother is a fool,
and I hate that.
508
00:35:16,520 --> 00:35:20,280
Cycling can still largely be seen
as a man's sport
509
00:35:20,360 --> 00:35:22,320
in a lot of communities.
510
00:35:22,400 --> 00:35:25,600
Women can face harassment,
they can face shame.
511
00:35:25,680 --> 00:35:27,160
They can even face restrictions
512
00:35:27,240 --> 00:35:30,760
with regards to riding a bike
from families in their own homes.
513
00:35:30,840 --> 00:35:34,040
This results
in a lot of girls giving up.
514
00:35:34,120 --> 00:35:35,640
Similar to the men as well.
515
00:35:35,720 --> 00:35:39,320
There aren't clear pathways,
but women often have less prize money
516
00:35:39,400 --> 00:35:43,160
and a less clear way of
earning a living out of this sport.
517
00:35:43,240 --> 00:35:49,440
As a club, we've tried our best
to close the gap of gender equality.
518
00:35:49,520 --> 00:35:51,160
Let me give you an example.
519
00:35:51,240 --> 00:35:55,520
A mother comes with a daughter
who is 14 years to the club,
520
00:35:55,600 --> 00:35:59,680
and then the mother says,
"I want my daughter to be registered
521
00:35:59,760 --> 00:36:03,200
to cycle with your club".
I say, "why?"
522
00:36:03,280 --> 00:36:05,360
"Because I've seen boys racing
523
00:36:05,440 --> 00:36:08,080
and I think my daughter
can be better than them."
524
00:36:08,160 --> 00:36:11,360
So Miria comes at the age of 14.
Now Miria is 18.
525
00:36:11,440 --> 00:36:15,720
Four years down the road, we are
seeing amazing things happening.
526
00:36:15,800 --> 00:36:20,360
Maria was the first female Ugandan
to represent Uganda
527
00:36:20,440 --> 00:36:22,400
in the African Continental
Championship.
528
00:36:22,480 --> 00:36:26,000
And guess what?
She was on the podium.
529
00:36:26,080 --> 00:36:28,040
She has been in Rwanda,
and in Burundi,
530
00:36:28,120 --> 00:36:30,720
she has been in Kenya,
and every day
531
00:36:30,800 --> 00:36:32,040
Miria is progressing.
532
00:36:32,120 --> 00:36:37,680
So we see that if you give a girl
a chance in life, things can change.
533
00:36:46,560 --> 00:36:49,080
Brands like Zwift
and other indoor training platforms
534
00:36:49,160 --> 00:36:50,800
have become a great place
535
00:36:50,880 --> 00:36:54,480
for particularly women
to ride in a safe environment.
536
00:36:54,560 --> 00:36:58,720
It's also a great talent identifier.
Obviously, there are limitations.
537
00:36:58,800 --> 00:37:02,800
You know, it doesn't replace riding
on the road and particularly
538
00:37:02,880 --> 00:37:06,400
where the highest level of cycling
is still based in Europe,
539
00:37:06,480 --> 00:37:08,240
it's still Eurocentric.
540
00:37:08,320 --> 00:37:12,200
There's the culture shock of going
to Europe, especially the first time,
541
00:37:12,280 --> 00:37:15,400
particularly if you have to stay
there for a prolonged period.
542
00:37:15,480 --> 00:37:17,960
Athletes have to deal with
homesickness,
543
00:37:18,040 --> 00:37:19,560
not seeing their family,
544
00:37:19,640 --> 00:37:23,600
and take part in a sport
that is already brutal on its own.
545
00:37:23,680 --> 00:37:28,040
What I'm looking forward to
in this training camp in Europe,
546
00:37:28,120 --> 00:37:32,040
first of all, I'm very excited. You
know, it's gonna be my first time,
547
00:37:32,120 --> 00:37:35,640
I'm going to ride with those people,
the pros,
548
00:37:35,720 --> 00:37:40,680
other cyclists are going to France
and I'm going to get exposed.
549
00:37:40,760 --> 00:37:42,880
I'm going to leave my family behind,
550
00:37:42,960 --> 00:37:47,400
but what I am going to be
is racing for my goal.
551
00:37:47,480 --> 00:37:50,400
Once I achieve it, they'll be happy,
of course.
552
00:37:50,480 --> 00:37:55,760
Now what I'm looking forward is
to get a team, first of all,
553
00:37:55,840 --> 00:37:59,760
and to absorb all the training
they are going to be giving to me,
554
00:37:59,840 --> 00:38:03,760
so that I perform well
in the World Championship.
555
00:38:09,880 --> 00:38:12,080
We're into
the final few hundred meters.
556
00:38:12,160 --> 00:38:15,280
The lead group is strung out
as they battle for every last inch.
557
00:38:15,360 --> 00:38:18,640
And just behind them, Ashleigh
Moolman Pasio is digging deeper.
558
00:38:18,720 --> 00:38:21,480
It looks like it won't be her year
for the podium.
559
00:38:32,320 --> 00:38:36,360
I've broken my back. And with
promising talent coming through.
560
00:38:36,440 --> 00:38:39,800
I missed out
on all of my goals last year.
561
00:38:42,920 --> 00:38:47,160
It's been
a really challenging period.
562
00:38:47,240 --> 00:38:51,600
Yeah, last year, I had a very big
injury with breaking my back
563
00:38:51,680 --> 00:38:56,000
and it's been a challenge
coming back.
564
00:38:56,080 --> 00:38:59,400
Yeah, I mean, I've had the fighting
spirit and the determination,
565
00:38:59,480 --> 00:39:02,440
but there's been plenty of bumps
along the road.
566
00:39:02,520 --> 00:39:05,800
Liege-Bastogne-Liege was, yeah,
a very frustrating race for me
567
00:39:05,880 --> 00:39:08,480
and a very disappointing race.
568
00:39:08,560 --> 00:39:14,720
But at the same time, it was a
historical and very big achievement,
569
00:39:14,800 --> 00:39:17,800
you know, for my teammate Kim,
and for my team.
570
00:39:22,040 --> 00:39:24,720
We were ready to show up
and we had a great race plan
571
00:39:24,800 --> 00:39:28,720
and I was a big part of that plan.
In a snap of the fingers,
572
00:39:28,800 --> 00:39:31,760
you just see it all slipping
out of your hand.
573
00:39:31,840 --> 00:39:35,600
I had to stop the race because,
yeah, I was getting sick,
574
00:39:35,680 --> 00:39:39,000
there was no reason to continue.
I felt that I disappointed my team,
575
00:39:39,080 --> 00:39:42,560
and then I got onto the bus
and I noticed that Kim,
576
00:39:42,640 --> 00:39:46,560
that she was also not in the front
of the race and I felt so deflated.
577
00:39:46,640 --> 00:39:50,920
And then just out of nowhere,
it all just changed.
578
00:39:51,000 --> 00:39:53,920
Kim Le Court must time this one.
579
00:39:54,000 --> 00:39:56,280
The sprint opens up,
200 meters to go.
580
00:39:56,360 --> 00:39:59,960
Kim Le Court down the center.
Kim Le Court and Puck Pieterse.
581
00:40:00,040 --> 00:40:02,920
It looks like it's gonna come
down to between those.
582
00:40:03,000 --> 00:40:04,440
Kim Le Court pulls clear.
583
00:40:04,520 --> 00:40:07,480
Kim Le Court sits up
and celebrates
584
00:40:07,560 --> 00:40:11,040
for AG Insurance Soudal!
585
00:40:11,120 --> 00:40:15,560
The first African
to ever win a monument.
586
00:40:21,600 --> 00:40:25,480
So it was a real rollercoaster for
me, obviously with the challenges
587
00:40:25,560 --> 00:40:28,360
I've been facing
in the early part of the year.
588
00:40:28,440 --> 00:40:30,320
Coming back from the injury,
589
00:40:30,400 --> 00:40:33,680
I really put Ardennes Classic
as my first goal.
590
00:40:33,760 --> 00:40:38,840
I really had to find
the balance inside myself,
591
00:40:38,920 --> 00:40:40,880
you know, of being disappointed
592
00:40:40,960 --> 00:40:44,600
and frustrated and a bit angry
at myself,
593
00:40:44,680 --> 00:40:49,040
but then also being really happy
for Kim and for the team.
594
00:40:51,680 --> 00:40:56,280
You can run, for example, in Kenya,
in countries, in Ethiopia,
595
00:40:56,360 --> 00:40:58,600
and you can go immediately
to ride a marathon.
596
00:40:58,680 --> 00:41:02,240
In cycling, you can't be a champion
just by training.
597
00:41:02,320 --> 00:41:05,400
It's possible in other sports.
It's impossible in road cycling
598
00:41:05,480 --> 00:41:07,000
because you need to compete,
599
00:41:07,080 --> 00:41:10,280
you need to learn how to put yourself
in a peloton,
600
00:41:10,360 --> 00:41:14,320
how to be protected by the wind.
To do this, unfortunately,
601
00:41:14,400 --> 00:41:16,200
I would say you have
to come to Europe
602
00:41:16,280 --> 00:41:19,600
because this is where
you have most of the races.
603
00:41:19,680 --> 00:41:23,840
This is where you will learn.
And, of course, for African riders,
604
00:41:23,920 --> 00:41:28,600
they have then to travel.
And, by the way, it's more difficult.
605
00:41:28,680 --> 00:41:31,120
We have caused restrictions
and so on.
606
00:41:31,200 --> 00:41:37,480
David Lappartient, he had the vision
to create a team from Africa,
607
00:41:37,560 --> 00:41:41,120
which we call the Africa 2025 team.
608
00:41:41,200 --> 00:41:44,400
And that's how
you create opportunities.
609
00:41:44,480 --> 00:41:48,880
You take them to Brittany, you expose
them to the local club racing.
610
00:41:48,960 --> 00:41:51,080
And the good thing
about the system in France
611
00:41:51,160 --> 00:41:53,200
is that they have
so many different levels
612
00:41:53,280 --> 00:41:56,440
that once you prove yourself
in the first level,
613
00:41:56,520 --> 00:42:02,200
you can go to the next level.
So that's exactly what we need.
614
00:42:02,280 --> 00:42:06,880
Grassroots plays an incredible role
in developing African athletes.
615
00:42:06,960 --> 00:42:11,440
I believe somewhere in Africa,
we have the next Chris Froome,
616
00:42:11,520 --> 00:42:15,200
the next Biniam Girmay,
the next Ashleigh Moolman Pasio.
617
00:42:15,280 --> 00:42:17,840
They are there,
waiting to be discovered.
618
00:42:17,920 --> 00:42:21,840
We have a Tour de France winner
somewhere in Africa,
619
00:42:21,920 --> 00:42:24,120
but on a practical level,
in order to get that,
620
00:42:24,200 --> 00:42:26,640
you need grassroots initiatives.
621
00:42:26,720 --> 00:42:29,600
You need to start
with 10,000 athletes
622
00:42:29,680 --> 00:42:32,520
where 1000 of them
will have talent.
623
00:42:32,600 --> 00:42:35,040
100 might make it to the pro ranks,
624
00:42:35,120 --> 00:42:38,160
and ten might
become the best in the world.
625
00:42:54,280 --> 00:42:57,680
If we look ahead ten years, there
should be two or three African riders
626
00:42:57,760 --> 00:43:00,320
in the Tour de France,
if the work is done properly.
627
00:43:00,400 --> 00:43:03,040
But now, there's a real
cultural effort to be made.
628
00:43:03,120 --> 00:43:06,960
These are great riders,
but they lack international exposure.
629
00:43:07,040 --> 00:43:11,320
Top-level sport is becoming
less and less virtuous,
630
00:43:11,400 --> 00:43:14,520
and I believe Africa, for cycling,
requires humility and support.
631
00:43:14,600 --> 00:43:16,560
And that's what makes it so exciting,
632
00:43:16,640 --> 00:43:19,640
because it feels like we're actually
doing something meaningful.
633
00:43:41,440 --> 00:43:44,240
When I got my visa,
I was kind of surprised.
634
00:43:44,320 --> 00:43:47,960
How can I get this visa?
This took just two weeks.
635
00:43:48,040 --> 00:43:50,400
I got the visa because they said,
636
00:43:50,480 --> 00:43:57,200
if I didn't apply in March... In Feb?
637
00:43:57,280 --> 00:43:59,800
No, in March, I did in March,
638
00:43:59,880 --> 00:44:02,640
the next appointment
will be in August.
639
00:44:02,720 --> 00:44:06,040
In my mind, everything, I'm like,
"If you don't go to France,
640
00:44:06,120 --> 00:44:10,040
you don't cycle.
You don't do cycling. Just quit.
641
00:44:10,120 --> 00:44:13,960
If you don't get visa, just quit.
If you don't get visa, just quit."
642
00:44:14,040 --> 00:44:17,360
Even my mother kept on telling me,
"If you don't get visa, just quit."
643
00:44:17,440 --> 00:44:20,160
Because when you go to France,
644
00:44:20,240 --> 00:44:22,520
that's when you know
where you are in cycling.
645
00:44:22,600 --> 00:44:26,240
Where am I so far
with these European girls?
646
00:44:26,320 --> 00:44:29,400
My racing skills, my training?
Where am I?
647
00:44:29,480 --> 00:44:34,240
Europe, obviously,
it is the best in cycling
648
00:44:34,320 --> 00:44:37,480
and sports all over the world.
It's the best.
649
00:44:42,720 --> 00:44:46,920
The most challenge
I got in Europe is the weather.
650
00:44:47,000 --> 00:44:52,040
The roads are small, keeping right,
the food,
651
00:44:52,120 --> 00:44:57,560
the language, and those are
the most challenges I got.
652
00:44:59,000 --> 00:45:01,080
We go in the car!
653
00:45:04,000 --> 00:45:07,520
It's not an issue, it's more
the positioning in the peloton.
654
00:45:07,600 --> 00:45:12,200
Because when you are not used
to being in a peloton of 20 riders
655
00:45:12,280 --> 00:45:15,840
and then a peloton of 50 to 100
riders, it's completely different.
656
00:45:15,920 --> 00:45:22,080
For sprint, it's 20 seconds for
sprint, 20 seconds you sprint.
657
00:45:22,160 --> 00:45:27,600
-You, when I look.
-Sprint?
658
00:45:27,680 --> 00:45:31,120
-No sprint and not 20 seconds.
-What?
659
00:45:31,200 --> 00:45:33,080
It's because we are just imagining,
660
00:45:33,160 --> 00:45:35,280
because we don't have it
on the Garmin.
661
00:45:35,360 --> 00:45:38,680
-We don't have two days of training.
-We fought a lot.
662
00:45:38,760 --> 00:45:43,440
You really need to do a good sprint.
Good sprint.
663
00:45:43,520 --> 00:45:46,520
Position at sprint, I speak
to you last day, you remember?
664
00:45:46,600 --> 00:45:47,800
Yes. I used it today.
665
00:45:47,880 --> 00:45:50,960
Some girls,
they arrived here two weeks back.
666
00:45:51,040 --> 00:45:53,720
Me, I arrived two weeks after them.
667
00:45:53,800 --> 00:45:58,640
So I was like, "Me, I'm late. I'm not
going to catch up with the girls."
668
00:45:58,720 --> 00:46:02,360
But now, the confidence is good.
669
00:46:08,880 --> 00:46:12,480
My first feeling was, of course,
a bit scary.
670
00:46:12,560 --> 00:46:16,480
I didn't know what I'm going to find.
New people, new language,
671
00:46:16,560 --> 00:46:20,400
new food, new sleep, new word,
new work, new weather. Everything.
672
00:46:20,480 --> 00:46:25,480
Now, you speak Arabic. Rwanda, me,
I can't speak with you, guys.
673
00:46:25,560 --> 00:46:26,920
I miss my language.
674
00:46:27,000 --> 00:46:31,960
How are people going to be looking at
me, the Black person in Europe?
675
00:46:32,040 --> 00:46:37,440
How is it going to be? Scared?
Like, I'm scared of everything.
676
00:46:37,520 --> 00:46:38,600
Mostly the people.
677
00:46:38,680 --> 00:46:40,440
I start to feel like it's scared.
678
00:46:40,520 --> 00:46:43,120
Like it's the first time to go far
from my house,
679
00:46:43,200 --> 00:46:45,240
and I would take long,
long, long time.
680
00:46:45,320 --> 00:46:47,840
And this, it's give me like a fear.
681
00:46:47,920 --> 00:46:51,440
But after this, I enjoy it
and I get used to it.
682
00:46:51,520 --> 00:46:54,400
My goal is not to win
the World Championship.
683
00:46:54,480 --> 00:46:56,840
-I don't have that in mind.
-Right.
684
00:46:56,920 --> 00:46:59,520
I just have things that ring in me.
685
00:46:59,600 --> 00:47:02,800
"You have to finish
the World Championship."
686
00:47:02,880 --> 00:47:06,960
Once I finish the goal, done,
everything good.
687
00:47:07,040 --> 00:47:12,160
And maybe I see myself
close to the dreams
688
00:47:12,240 --> 00:47:16,520
because you see, like Biniam Girmay,
689
00:47:16,600 --> 00:47:20,400
his way is like this. He started UCI.
690
00:47:20,480 --> 00:47:26,080
No, he started local team, UCI,
now pro, now win.
691
00:47:26,160 --> 00:47:28,240
Big news in the cycling world.
692
00:47:28,320 --> 00:47:31,320
South African star,
Ashleigh Moolman Pasio
693
00:47:31,400 --> 00:47:35,200
could miss what was meant to be
her final Tour de France Femmes.
694
00:47:35,280 --> 00:47:37,720
Despite a determined comeback
from injury
695
00:47:37,800 --> 00:47:40,040
and wearing the green jersey
in 2023,
696
00:47:40,120 --> 00:47:45,760
reports suggest AG Insurance Soudal
may leave her out of their squad.
697
00:47:55,720 --> 00:47:58,760
I'm not going to be racing
the Tour de France.
698
00:47:58,840 --> 00:48:03,760
And, you know, this is...
it's a real big blow to me
699
00:48:03,840 --> 00:48:07,360
because it's not
just a bike race, really,
700
00:48:07,440 --> 00:48:13,120
it's part of everything
I've fought for all of my career.
701
00:48:13,200 --> 00:48:18,120
I'm showing all the right signs
of standing up for the team values
702
00:48:18,200 --> 00:48:23,520
and the collective, and building
the team, and I'm being left out?
703
00:48:25,520 --> 00:48:28,480
Rwanda is my last shot
at the world title.
704
00:48:28,560 --> 00:48:32,080
I think all of the years
of preparation, hard work,
705
00:48:32,160 --> 00:48:34,000
all the challenges
I've had to overcome
706
00:48:34,080 --> 00:48:38,560
has created a really big fire
inside my belly.
707
00:48:38,640 --> 00:48:45,520
And I think there'll have to be a lot
that stops me from achieving
708
00:48:45,600 --> 00:48:49,640
the result that I'm after.
And this time, I'm going all in.
709
00:48:49,720 --> 00:48:53,080
If I have to do it on my own,
I'm going to do my absolute best
710
00:48:53,160 --> 00:48:56,160
to do it on my own
and to win that rainbow jersey
711
00:48:56,240 --> 00:48:57,920
for South Africa and for Africa.
712
00:49:11,360 --> 00:49:15,320
What I'll do is, I'll do what
I've learned in all races.
713
00:49:15,400 --> 00:49:18,160
I'll add them together
and then I put in action.
714
00:49:18,240 --> 00:49:22,320
I hope to do better
because now, I feel like I'm strong.
715
00:49:22,400 --> 00:49:25,920
Now I'm light, I'm more aggressive.
716
00:49:27,120 --> 00:49:30,600
14 laps, okay? Okay.
717
00:49:30,680 --> 00:49:35,880
The first seven laps, calm. You look
at the situation in the race,
718
00:49:35,960 --> 00:49:41,000
you look at other riders' attitude
and after seven laps,
719
00:49:41,080 --> 00:49:45,720
little push, little push.
Not all time. Okay?
720
00:49:45,800 --> 00:49:51,840
You manage. Focus for final, okay?
You manage always calm,
721
00:49:51,920 --> 00:49:56,240
stay, not first position.
No work all time in front.
722
00:50:12,560 --> 00:50:14,240
The UCI has played a crucial role.
723
00:50:14,320 --> 00:50:19,280
They, a while ago,
identified Africa as a priority
724
00:50:19,360 --> 00:50:24,640
in terms of globalizing cycling.
Those initiatives have to continue.
725
00:50:24,720 --> 00:50:29,120
We are still fighting to get onto the
start line, not just to win races.
726
00:50:29,200 --> 00:50:33,360
You have to start with a massive pool
at a grassroots level.
727
00:50:33,440 --> 00:50:36,320
The bigger you make that pool,
the bigger the chance
728
00:50:36,400 --> 00:50:38,480
of having more athletes at the top.
729
00:50:38,560 --> 00:50:42,200
Go, girls! Go, go!
730
00:50:58,600 --> 00:51:04,040
Well, let's just talk
about the goals. So...
731
00:51:05,960 --> 00:51:12,240
World champs in Africa, in Rwanda,
I think it's a great opportunity
732
00:51:12,320 --> 00:51:18,040
to use the chaos and the...
733
00:51:19,080 --> 00:51:22,120
uncomfortable sort of zone
for the Europeans, right?
734
00:51:23,000 --> 00:51:25,080
-Yeah.
-To use it as an opportunity.
735
00:51:25,160 --> 00:51:29,960
Yeah, I think it's also,
no one knows what's coming.
736
00:51:30,040 --> 00:51:32,120
From the recon we've been there.
737
00:51:32,200 --> 00:51:34,560
There's so many variables
that can come into play.
738
00:51:34,640 --> 00:51:38,480
-Yeah.
-Especially food.
739
00:51:38,560 --> 00:51:40,120
-Yeah.
-It's a big one.
740
00:51:40,200 --> 00:51:42,400
Yeah, so first have to be
really disciplined.
741
00:51:42,480 --> 00:51:44,840
I do think growing up
in South Africa,
742
00:51:44,920 --> 00:51:47,560
you've got a stronger tummy
than most people, hopefully.
743
00:51:47,640 --> 00:51:49,480
Yeah, that's true. Yeah.
744
00:51:49,560 --> 00:51:53,160
And yeah, I think, I just, I mean,
the feeling and sensations
745
00:51:53,240 --> 00:51:56,200
are always different in Africa.
Like you have...
746
00:51:56,280 --> 00:51:59,480
when you're in Europe, the Europeans
are closer to their families,
747
00:51:59,560 --> 00:52:02,640
closer to home, and that
makes a big difference to your racing
748
00:52:02,720 --> 00:52:05,160
and your performance.
But, you know, being in Africa
749
00:52:05,240 --> 00:52:09,400
where you're from, where you've grown
up, it makes more of a difference.
750
00:52:09,480 --> 00:52:11,720
Teamwork is also
going to be interesting.
751
00:52:11,800 --> 00:52:17,440
I don't think it's very easy
because there aren't many places
752
00:52:17,520 --> 00:52:19,520
where you can really organize.
753
00:52:19,600 --> 00:52:22,480
There's some, like here
is quite a nice long straight.
754
00:52:22,560 --> 00:52:24,680
But probably a feeding zone
is gonna be there
755
00:52:24,760 --> 00:52:26,840
and you're gonna have to feed
from yourself.
756
00:52:26,920 --> 00:52:29,960
Yeah, but if you think,
like, it's not that long
757
00:52:30,040 --> 00:52:32,960
that they can really
get proper momentum.
758
00:52:33,040 --> 00:52:36,760
So just as they start getting
kind of momentum to chase,
759
00:52:36,840 --> 00:52:40,040
you're taking the next corner,
corner, corner, you know?
760
00:52:40,120 --> 00:52:45,520
So if there is ever a course that's
suited to a more individual rider,
761
00:52:45,600 --> 00:52:48,440
-I'd say this is the one.
-This is the one.
762
00:52:51,280 --> 00:52:54,160
Uncertainty surrounds
Biniam Girmay's participation
763
00:52:54,240 --> 00:52:56,440
at the Kigali World Championships.
764
00:52:56,520 --> 00:53:00,160
The mountainous course does not suit
the Eritrean sprinter,
765
00:53:00,240 --> 00:53:04,040
but millions across Africa hope
to see their star rider
766
00:53:04,120 --> 00:53:05,680
represent the continent.
767
00:53:05,760 --> 00:53:09,720
Biniam's achievements
have just been phenomenal.
768
00:53:09,800 --> 00:53:15,680
It's incredibly hard to reach where
he is and overcome even more barriers
769
00:53:15,760 --> 00:53:20,120
than a lot of other people in the
peloton, who he's racing against.
770
00:53:20,200 --> 00:53:21,640
I don't think he's finished.
771
00:53:21,720 --> 00:53:25,520
I think he's still got many years
ahead of him.
772
00:53:26,840 --> 00:53:30,240
He's able to be world champion.
Probably not here
773
00:53:30,320 --> 00:53:34,880
because he's not the best climber,
but Montreal 2026. Let's see.
774
00:53:34,960 --> 00:53:39,960
So I wish he could be
the first African
775
00:53:40,040 --> 00:53:42,520
to become UCI world champion.
776
00:53:42,600 --> 00:53:47,240
These World Championships
might not suit him, but tough luck.
777
00:53:47,320 --> 00:53:49,800
He's the face of African cycling.
He has to be there.
778
00:53:49,880 --> 00:53:51,280
He has to show up.
779
00:53:51,360 --> 00:53:55,240
He has to understand that this moment
is bigger than him.
780
00:54:02,040 --> 00:54:07,080
The UCI Cycling Center formation
up front
781
00:54:07,160 --> 00:54:12,760
with bib number 24,
Miria Nantume.
782
00:54:16,080 --> 00:54:19,600
This stage ends in a sprint!
783
00:54:26,840 --> 00:54:30,280
The winner, number 21!
784
00:54:30,360 --> 00:54:32,760
Why you didn't attack on climb?
Everyone is kaput!
785
00:54:32,840 --> 00:54:34,920
-I was tired, my friend.
-I told you,
786
00:54:35,000 --> 00:54:37,680
Miria, go, Miria, go, Miria, go!
787
00:54:37,760 --> 00:54:42,320
When I attack on the climb, I say
after I drop and after I come back.
788
00:54:42,400 --> 00:54:45,480
When I told you, I told you,
Miria, go finish, everyone is tired!
789
00:54:48,840 --> 00:54:51,280
We all wanted me to win!
790
00:54:53,440 --> 00:54:56,480
What's your feeling on the race?
How do you feel?
791
00:54:56,560 --> 00:55:00,920
A bit disappointed in myself, and I
think the team is also disappointed,
792
00:55:01,000 --> 00:55:04,360
but me as a person,
I'm happy for the results
793
00:55:04,440 --> 00:55:07,040
because it's the first time in
Europe in the breakaway.
794
00:55:07,120 --> 00:55:11,600
I didn't win, but I was in the
breakaway, it's really amazing
795
00:55:11,680 --> 00:55:15,520
and it's a big improvement on my
side, and I celebrate that.
796
00:55:15,600 --> 00:55:19,760
By the World Championships,
maybe I'll be better than this.
797
00:55:28,600 --> 00:55:31,240
The World Road Championships
are heading to Africa.
798
00:55:31,320 --> 00:55:35,600
The Road Cycling World Championships
are underway in Kigali, Rwanda.
799
00:55:35,680 --> 00:55:38,880
Rwanda took center stage
as the first African country
800
00:55:38,960 --> 00:55:41,240
to hold the Cycling World
Championships.
801
00:55:57,400 --> 00:56:02,200
So much, so many issues
with my stomach.
802
00:56:02,280 --> 00:56:09,280
And then I did like some tests
and it was refined sugar, dairy,
803
00:56:09,360 --> 00:56:13,800
and they said yeast at the time
rather than gluten.
804
00:56:15,400 --> 00:56:21,400
I am in Kigali feeling myself again,
feeling strong, feeling ready,
805
00:56:21,480 --> 00:56:24,480
actually feeling super fresh
because it kind of feels
806
00:56:24,560 --> 00:56:27,440
like my season never really started,
you know?
807
00:56:27,520 --> 00:56:29,800
Yeah, it's been a really tough year.
808
00:56:29,880 --> 00:56:34,400
So when in the early part of the
year,
809
00:56:34,480 --> 00:56:39,080
I was really thinking that I was
struggling with performance
810
00:56:39,160 --> 00:56:41,760
because of my back fracture,
811
00:56:41,840 --> 00:56:45,360
breaking my T10 vertebra
the year before.
812
00:56:45,440 --> 00:56:47,840
And training went well,
preparation went well,
813
00:56:47,920 --> 00:56:52,840
and I started the Giro really hopeful
I would be back to my normal self.
814
00:56:52,920 --> 00:56:58,760
But again, I had a disappointing
race. I wasn't myself, you know.
815
00:56:58,840 --> 00:57:02,160
So again, it was very frustrating
and confusing.
816
00:57:02,240 --> 00:57:04,680
After one and a half or two hours,
I'm totally empty
817
00:57:04,760 --> 00:57:09,160
and it really feels like,
as soon as I've used all of the fuel
818
00:57:09,240 --> 00:57:14,000
that I ate the day before or for
breakfast, all the glycogen is gone,
819
00:57:14,080 --> 00:57:17,920
the fuel that I'm taking on the bike
is not going into my muscles.
820
00:57:18,000 --> 00:57:21,800
My sugar levels in my blood
were always really, really high.
821
00:57:21,880 --> 00:57:27,000
And this, we continued throughout
the day and even not on the bike.
822
00:57:27,080 --> 00:57:29,160
-Cheers, everyone, see you later.
-Cheers.
823
00:57:29,240 --> 00:57:31,040
Eventually, we came
to the conclusion,
824
00:57:31,120 --> 00:57:33,600
with the help of some blood tests
as well,
825
00:57:33,680 --> 00:57:38,120
that I was suffering
from insulin resistance.
826
00:57:39,160 --> 00:57:44,640
We managed to find the treatment
to help me with insulin sensitivity.
827
00:57:44,720 --> 00:57:48,120
And immediately
when I started to take this,
828
00:57:48,200 --> 00:57:52,920
I could see immediate response
in my blood glucose levels.
829
00:57:53,000 --> 00:57:57,920
It was amazing how this changed,
how I felt and just the person I was.
830
00:57:58,000 --> 00:58:00,720
I was feeling less anxious.
It was crazy.
831
00:58:00,800 --> 00:58:04,000
I felt like a new person.
832
00:58:13,440 --> 00:58:18,680
Now, I'm back from Europe to Africa
where the World Championship
833
00:58:18,760 --> 00:58:22,760
is going to take place.
I'm really happy and amazed
834
00:58:22,840 --> 00:58:25,880
for the opportunity
given to us Africans,
835
00:58:25,960 --> 00:58:31,520
so that the biggest event
is organized in our own land.
836
00:58:31,600 --> 00:58:34,320
Now I feel Africa will own the spot.
837
00:58:34,400 --> 00:58:37,960
It's our time to shine
and let's give our level best.
838
00:58:38,040 --> 00:58:42,480
We know that Europeans
are, so far, better than us,
839
00:58:42,560 --> 00:58:49,280
but since this in our land, let's
embrace it. Let's do our level best.
840
00:58:51,480 --> 00:58:54,120
Because when I started focusing
about working last year,
841
00:58:54,200 --> 00:59:00,040
I didn't expect this quickly
to participate in World Championship.
842
00:59:00,120 --> 00:59:04,480
Maybe I thought I'll be participating
maybe in two years to come
843
00:59:04,560 --> 00:59:11,280
because I just started focusing.
Just from starting focusing
844
00:59:11,360 --> 00:59:15,160
straight to World Championship.
It's like from ashes to the world.
845
00:59:21,640 --> 00:59:25,520
The hardest part of this program
was racing in this big peloton
846
00:59:25,600 --> 00:59:31,240
because me, in Uganda race,
seven girls, ten girls, it's not big,
847
00:59:31,320 --> 00:59:36,960
but in Europe, 80 girls on the line.
It was hard, but now I enjoy it.
848
00:59:41,000 --> 00:59:47,440
Now I see it. I see where I'm going
now because all the pros,
849
00:59:47,520 --> 00:59:49,560
they passed the same journey
I passed.
850
00:59:49,640 --> 00:59:56,480
When you see Biniam Girmay,
like local team, pro team,
851
00:59:56,560 --> 01:00:00,960
no, local team, UCI,
now pro contracts.
852
01:00:04,400 --> 01:00:08,440
Against all expectations.
Eritrean Biniam Girmay has decided
853
01:00:08,520 --> 01:00:11,480
to line up at the World
Championships in Kigali.
854
01:00:11,560 --> 01:00:14,960
After weeks of doubt over whether
the brutal parcours suited him,
855
01:00:15,040 --> 01:00:17,960
he will be there.
Carrying not just his own ambitions,
856
01:00:18,040 --> 01:00:20,000
but the hopes
of an entire continent.
857
01:00:30,520 --> 01:00:33,320
I was a little bit doubting
at the beginning of the season.
858
01:00:33,400 --> 01:00:35,960
It's really an honor and pleasure
to be here in Rwanda
859
01:00:36,040 --> 01:00:39,200
because, yeah,
it's one of also the countries,
860
01:00:39,280 --> 01:00:43,960
they like sport and they're also
super passionate about this sport.
861
01:00:44,040 --> 01:00:48,200
In Liege Bastogne Liege, I cannot go.
I never go, even in Lombardia,
862
01:00:48,280 --> 01:00:51,360
because it's quite hard
and I don't want to go there
863
01:00:51,440 --> 01:00:55,240
just to be at the start and to drop
to be DNF. It's not nice.
864
01:00:55,320 --> 01:01:00,680
Here in this kind of occasion,
it's the first time in Africa.
865
01:01:00,760 --> 01:01:03,360
It's really huge for us
African riders.
866
01:01:03,440 --> 01:01:10,440
And if you see this parcours,
it's way harder for African riders.
867
01:01:10,520 --> 01:01:12,840
So, to be honest, might be better
868
01:01:12,920 --> 01:01:17,400
if you give more opportunity
to the African riders.
869
01:01:17,480 --> 01:01:24,000
Now I always like to do good results
or try to do the best of it,
870
01:01:24,080 --> 01:01:27,360
but at the end of the day,
like I said, I am always happy
871
01:01:27,440 --> 01:01:31,200
to wear my national team jersey
and to represent my country
872
01:01:31,280 --> 01:01:34,080
and the national team asked me
to be there
873
01:01:34,160 --> 01:01:38,240
to help the team and I accepted,
100 percent,
874
01:01:38,320 --> 01:01:41,440
and that's why
I'm here to support my teammates.
875
01:01:47,400 --> 01:01:50,000
The other guys, they already
did the press conference.
876
01:01:50,080 --> 01:01:53,200
Pogi did one. Remco.
877
01:01:53,280 --> 01:01:55,880
-And Kim Le Court.
-Yeah.
878
01:01:55,960 --> 01:01:59,320
-She can do good tomorrow?
-I think she can do good.
879
01:01:59,400 --> 01:02:02,520
Yeah, she likes more like
not too steep.
880
01:02:02,600 --> 01:02:06,680
-Maybe I think--
-Ferrand-Prévot, yeah, but...
881
01:02:11,200 --> 01:02:13,400
But what I see now,
Mur de Kigali is very hard.
882
01:02:13,480 --> 01:02:18,200
If they accelerate here,
half of the bunch will go.
883
01:02:18,280 --> 01:02:21,440
If Pogi is good at that time,
they will accelerate.
884
01:02:21,520 --> 01:02:26,760
It's nice if we have one
of our teammates in the breakaway.
885
01:02:30,200 --> 01:02:37,200
Kigali! Are you there?
Let me see your flags. Kigali!
886
01:02:37,280 --> 01:02:43,440
Good morning. Welcome to the 2025
UCI Road World Championships
887
01:02:43,520 --> 01:02:46,480
here in Kigali. We've mentioned
a few times this week,
888
01:02:46,560 --> 01:02:50,880
the first time we had these
championships in Africa.
889
01:02:50,960 --> 01:02:54,760
So this is it. The women's
and men's elite road races
890
01:02:54,840 --> 01:02:59,680
at a championships we hope
will leave a lasting legacy.
891
01:02:59,760 --> 01:03:01,880
It's special for multiple reasons,
of course,
892
01:03:01,960 --> 01:03:05,320
like I've been flying the flag
for South Africa,
893
01:03:05,400 --> 01:03:09,560
for Africa, this is the 16th year
in my professional career,
894
01:03:09,640 --> 01:03:14,440
and for many years,
I was the only African rider
895
01:03:14,520 --> 01:03:18,480
racing at the elite level
in women's cycling in Europe.
896
01:03:18,560 --> 01:03:22,640
And now it's good to see
there are more riders joining me.
897
01:03:22,720 --> 01:03:26,280
Riders like Kim Le Court wearing
the yellow jersey in the tour.
898
01:03:26,360 --> 01:03:31,280
So the progression is slowly but
surely coming, which is really great.
899
01:03:31,360 --> 01:03:36,680
I think the important thing for me
is, yes, I have hopes and aspirations
900
01:03:36,760 --> 01:03:39,400
of getting a good result,
but more than anything,
901
01:03:39,480 --> 01:03:42,160
I want to be proud
of the race that I rode,
902
01:03:42,240 --> 01:03:46,560
and to finish the race feeling proud.
903
01:03:48,760 --> 01:03:52,920
I think maybe when we arrive,
904
01:03:53,000 --> 01:03:57,160
you have an electrolyte bottle
before we start.
905
01:03:58,600 --> 01:04:03,200
Before we start the race.
Because it's very hot today.
906
01:04:03,280 --> 01:04:05,960
-Yes, very hot.
-Yeah.
907
01:04:06,040 --> 01:04:10,160
You have to keep the fuel up,
but you are ready.
908
01:04:11,120 --> 01:04:14,120
You have to believe that.
909
01:04:14,200 --> 01:04:17,960
You already have done everything
that you can...
910
01:04:20,560 --> 01:04:22,440
to be ready.
911
01:04:23,960 --> 01:04:27,320
And when you are doing this,
912
01:04:28,320 --> 01:04:32,400
you remember all the sacrifices
you did.
913
01:04:34,000 --> 01:04:37,840
Hard training,
being away from your family,
914
01:04:39,680 --> 01:04:41,880
suffering on the bike.
915
01:04:44,800 --> 01:04:46,960
France is difficult.
916
01:04:48,360 --> 01:04:53,840
So on that start line, you remember
all that and you use that as fuel,
917
01:04:53,920 --> 01:04:56,880
motivation to drive you.
918
01:04:56,960 --> 01:05:00,360
To do the best as you can,
no matter the results.
919
01:05:00,440 --> 01:05:03,720
One year preparing for this race.
920
01:05:06,000 --> 01:05:08,440
You know, today, my mother is...
921
01:05:13,480 --> 01:05:15,200
She is going to the clubhouse.
922
01:05:21,400 --> 01:05:26,200
They called everyone in the
community. "Come see, come, come."
923
01:05:28,240 --> 01:05:32,560
-Make them proud.
-I'll try.
924
01:05:41,600 --> 01:05:44,120
The first thing we need
is the basic things.
925
01:05:44,200 --> 01:05:47,600
We are already far behind
the European races.
926
01:05:47,680 --> 01:05:50,960
We also struggle to buy a bike
because they are in Europe.
927
01:05:51,040 --> 01:05:53,600
It's already 14,000€, 15,000€.
928
01:05:53,680 --> 01:05:57,520
If you look back here, I don't know
how to spend this money.
929
01:05:57,600 --> 01:06:00,880
It's way more powerful.
We don't need to have exactly
930
01:06:00,960 --> 01:06:03,880
like the biggest races
or something like this.
931
01:06:03,960 --> 01:06:06,440
We just need to have,
of course, better coaches,
932
01:06:06,520 --> 01:06:11,120
better nutrition, that might help
a lot, I think,
933
01:06:11,200 --> 01:06:15,920
if you give this opportunity
for the other African riders.
934
01:06:41,400 --> 01:06:46,680
It's gonna be brutal. I mean,
more than 6,000 meters of climbing.
935
01:06:46,760 --> 01:06:49,880
The heat, the humidity,
the Mur of Kigali
936
01:06:49,960 --> 01:06:54,800
or the wall of Kigali
is extremely tough.
937
01:06:54,880 --> 01:06:57,080
It's gonna be
an extremely tough race.
938
01:06:57,160 --> 01:07:01,080
...hands together for Rwanda!
939
01:07:01,160 --> 01:07:04,600
There's always a bit of a level of
stress, but at the same time,
940
01:07:04,680 --> 01:07:08,240
this is going to be an iconic moment
for Rwanda and for Africa.
941
01:07:08,320 --> 01:07:12,680
So when the men start, they should
also give the women start time.
942
01:07:12,760 --> 01:07:17,320
So the men start,
they will start counting.
943
01:07:17,400 --> 01:07:21,560
Some people doubted us, you know.
"African coach for this program,"
944
01:07:21,640 --> 01:07:24,720
and, you know, "We are not good
enough. We need an European."
945
01:07:47,320 --> 01:07:53,320
The most important thing
is just to stay calm, stay safe,
946
01:07:53,400 --> 01:07:56,520
and just see, yeah, save energy.
947
01:07:56,600 --> 01:08:00,600
I just need them not to go full gas
on the first climbs.
948
01:08:00,680 --> 01:08:04,120
I feel like people will be a bit
afraid, actually, to be honest.
949
01:08:04,200 --> 01:08:09,240
This is team South Africa!
950
01:08:19,000 --> 01:08:22,680
And I'm already here
a couple of days.
951
01:08:22,760 --> 01:08:25,400
You know, everywhere I go,
I'm also a bit surprised.
952
01:08:25,480 --> 01:08:27,560
They call my name.
953
01:08:28,840 --> 01:08:33,200
Eritrea! Eritrea, my friends!
954
01:08:33,280 --> 01:08:35,160
In the land of a thousand hills,
955
01:08:35,240 --> 01:08:38,440
there's hundreds of thousands
of people out on the road.
956
01:08:38,520 --> 01:08:43,400
Everything coming together,
a selective parcours,
957
01:08:43,480 --> 01:08:45,680
with the heat and the humidity.
958
01:08:45,760 --> 01:08:48,640
And there he is, Biniam Girmay
representing his team,
959
01:08:48,720 --> 01:08:52,280
his country, his continent.
But the big question remains,
960
01:08:52,360 --> 01:08:55,360
what can he do
on this brutal course?
961
01:08:55,440 --> 01:08:59,600
For Ashleigh Moolman Pasio,
this is her last World Championship.
962
01:08:59,680 --> 01:09:04,400
One final shot
to etch her name in history.
963
01:09:04,480 --> 01:09:08,440
Miria Nantume, the young Ugandan
rider, months of training,
964
01:09:08,520 --> 01:09:12,080
thousands of kilometers.
It all comes down to this moment.
965
01:09:12,160 --> 01:09:14,280
It's cycling time for Africa.
966
01:09:27,640 --> 01:09:32,400
Coming through is Ashleigh
Moolman Pasio for South Africa.
967
01:09:40,240 --> 01:09:41,880
...the likes of Biniam Girmay...
968
01:09:49,040 --> 01:09:51,360
It's getting tough
for Miria Nantume now
969
01:09:51,440 --> 01:09:54,400
as she's digging deep
fighting to hold that wheel.
970
01:09:58,440 --> 01:10:02,240
And it is the approach now
into Mur de Kigali.
971
01:10:02,320 --> 01:10:07,480
This is Bini and I think I'm afraid
that the climb is doing for Bini,
972
01:10:07,560 --> 01:10:09,440
but this parcours wasn't for him.
973
01:10:13,440 --> 01:10:15,200
And it's Ashleigh Moolman Pasio
974
01:10:15,280 --> 01:10:17,480
that's bringing things
back together.
975
01:10:17,560 --> 01:10:20,520
But you can see the attack here
of Amanda Spratt
976
01:10:20,600 --> 01:10:23,520
has definitely done some damage
to the bunch behind.
977
01:10:25,960 --> 01:10:30,400
And on to the Mur de Kigali,
15 percent at the bottom,
978
01:10:30,480 --> 01:10:33,560
it's 400 meters long.
It's a cobbled classic job this,
979
01:10:33,640 --> 01:10:35,600
in the heart of Africa.
980
01:10:48,200 --> 01:10:50,440
What an effort.
What courage from the man
981
01:10:50,520 --> 01:10:53,480
who's carried the hopes
of a continent.
982
01:10:55,880 --> 01:10:59,960
This course is unforgiving. It's too
much for Miria Nantume today.
983
01:11:11,320 --> 01:11:12,840
Bravo.
984
01:11:19,240 --> 01:11:21,320
Oh, what heartbreak
for the South African,
985
01:11:21,400 --> 01:11:23,880
29th, despite the incredible roar
986
01:11:23,960 --> 01:11:26,800
from the African fans
along the road.
987
01:11:26,880 --> 01:11:31,480
I was cramping so bad before
the second last climb at the...
988
01:11:32,680 --> 01:11:34,680
I knew I needed to be in that break.
989
01:11:36,320 --> 01:11:37,480
Well done.
990
01:11:45,600 --> 01:11:49,920
Yeah, I had a good time.
Second lap, I dropped, for sure.
991
01:11:50,000 --> 01:11:53,760
I couldn't go. But we always
learn from the mistakes.
992
01:11:53,840 --> 01:11:57,840
Next time, better. I'm having
a tour next week in Burundi.
993
01:11:57,920 --> 01:12:03,200
I want to win the tour so that
it can compensate for this one.
994
01:12:05,800 --> 01:12:10,560
It's pretty hard. I feel so tired.
I think it's normal.
995
01:12:10,640 --> 01:12:14,640
I already see a lot of guys drop
because of its super hard parcours.
996
01:12:14,720 --> 01:12:18,080
But yeah, I'm just happy
to ride my bike
997
01:12:18,160 --> 01:12:22,200
and at least
I did quite long kilometers, 175,
998
01:12:22,280 --> 01:12:24,240
so that's pretty okay.
999
01:12:29,760 --> 01:12:32,480
I'm the most proud
of the person I've become.
1000
01:12:32,560 --> 01:12:38,240
More than any results,
I've really evolved
1001
01:12:38,320 --> 01:12:44,840
as a person from a really insecure,
shy woman to a strong woman.
1002
01:12:44,920 --> 01:12:49,640
Not only physically, but
emotionally and mentally as well.
1003
01:12:50,720 --> 01:12:52,640
I wish I get a team in Europe
1004
01:12:52,720 --> 01:12:57,760
to continue my career
of being a pro cyclist.
1005
01:12:57,840 --> 01:13:01,240
I still have big dreams.
This is just the start.
1006
01:13:04,840 --> 01:13:08,120
Behind you, there is so many
young kids especially in Africa,
1007
01:13:08,200 --> 01:13:09,840
watching you, following you.
1008
01:13:09,920 --> 01:13:14,320
It's really pushed me to going
forward for the next season.
1009
01:13:17,200 --> 01:13:23,440
Get on a bicycle. It will open
doors. It'll give you freedom.
1010
01:13:23,520 --> 01:13:26,760
It changes your life forever.
1011
01:13:37,920 --> 01:13:41,920
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