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Although Girmei is the only African rider in this year’s Tour, he thinks the world will soon see another fast-rising talent from Eritrea tackle cycling’s premier event.
that man 20-year-old Milcias Makele, Another strong sprinter who won the men’s road race at the Eritrean National Road Championships last month.
The Eritrean nationals is one of the most hotly-contested road races in Africa, and the youngster from Asmara won with a dominant solo effort.
At over six feet tall, Makel has “enormous potential,” Girme believes.
“He has a strong mind for racing, a real winning mentality.
“I’m so happy for him to win the national championship. He really deserved it because he raced so well.”
Maekele, like Girmay, is a product of As.Be.Co. team in Asmara, and his early performances saw him sign for Germany’s Team Bike Aid in 2025, a strong UCI continental-level team with a history of supporting African riders.
After just one strong season, he was snapped up by the development squad of the top-tier Netcompany Ineos team, which, starting with its predecessor Team Sky, has established itself as one of the most dominant forces in modern cycling over the past 16 years.
Eritrea is Africa’s most successful cycling nation, with four men racing at the top level, including the highly-rated Henk Mulubrahan (XDS Astana) and Natnel Tesfashan (Movistar).
But Girme remains the undisputed poster boy of African cycling and will only add to his reputation if he claims the green jersey of the Tour de France for a second time.
Expect to see hundreds of Eritrean flags at every sprint finish in the coming weeks.
