The Roadman Cycling Podcast Africa Rising: The Story Behind the New Amani Women’s Team
Nov 14, 2025
Mikel Delagrange, founder of Team Amani, joins to discuss the groundbreaking launch of the Amani Women's Team, aimed at elevating African cyclists in global competitions. He shares his passion for bridging athletes to international stages and reflects on the emotional impact of witnessing top races live. The conversation highlights a strategy for stepping up to UCI Continental status, mentorship from former pro Tiscabu, and the importance of cultural understanding in talent identification. Mikel critiques the cycling world’s consumerism while advocating for responsible sponsorship.
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Tigray Holds Deep Cycling Roots
- Mikel highlighted a strong indigenous cycling culture in Tigray with multi-generational participation despite conflict.
- He called it a 'gold field' for mining talent that surprised the team on their visit.
Scabu's Crucial Cultural Bridge
- Mikel told how Tiscabu (Scabu) uniquely translates for athletes because he rose from the same background to WorldTour success.
- He explained Scabu's credibility helps him call out excuses and mentor riders in ways Mikel cannot.
Talent Needs More Than Power Data
- Scabu can spot intangible traits beyond power numbers and decide who will succeed.
- Mikel emphasized such judgment matters because raw metrics often miss future potential.