Kimberly Coats

Training the Next Generation – Africa Rising in Benin (Newsletter)

May 6, 2026

The Momentum is Real: Tour du Benin 2026 The 2026 Tour du Benin wrapped up this week and I honestly left feeling incredibly hopeful about the future of cycling in West Africa. Over the years, we have talked often about…

Happy 70th to our Founder, Jock Boyer

October 8, 2025

Today, October 8th, is Jock Boyer’s 70th Birthday. Jock is the founder of Team Rwanda Cycling, which is now Team Africa Rising. Although he stays somewhat out of the limelight these days, he continues to work behind the scenes on…

When Showing Up Matters: the Maryland Cycling Classic

September 12, 2025

When Team Africa Rising accepted the invitation to last weekend’s Maryland Cycling Classic, there was no doubt that the level of the event was considerably higher than the racing level and experience of the Benin Women’s National Team. There was…

See What I See

August 29, 2025

I wish you all could see what I see. Experience what I experience. I want you to understand how much everything we do matters, not only in cycling but also in the lives of the young people in the Team…

Team Africa Rising Newsletter: Is Benin Cycling the Next African Powerhouse?

May 24, 2025

The 2025 Tour du Benin was a resounding success. News continues to spread about the race and the work being led by the President of the Benin Cycling Federation. The Tour du Benin grows in notoriety and level each year.…

Ezer Mensah: Leading the Next Generation of Benin Cyclists

April 30, 2025

On Monday, at the opening stage of the 20th Annual Tour du Benin, 27-year-old Ezer Mensah was the highest-ranked Benin finisher, coming across the line in 13th place. Ezer is also on the upper end of the sport’s age range. He will…

Team is Team: Gasore & Adrien

March 1, 2025

Gasore Hategeka was one of the first members of the post original five members of Team Rwanda Cycling. Gasore was the beginning of Team Rwanda 2.0. I remember the day he showed up to the Team House in Musanze, long…

Tour du Burundi: Africa Rising Women’s Cycling

November 20, 2024

What a week last week! This entire issue is dedicated to the amazing women of African cycling. These women are quickly exhibiting their prowess on the bicycle and their fierceness as competitors. This year’s Tour du Burundi hosted women from…

Porto Novo, Benin to the UCI World Championships

October 3, 2024

In 2017, Team Africa Rising launched its 18-month phase-out plan from Rwanda. It was an intentional decision to continue giving the Rwandan Cycling Federation financial support on a diminishing scale over time. TAR continued to offer access to sponsors, coaches,…

Biniam Girmay Sprints into the History Books

July 2, 2024

Biniam Girmay, a world class cyclist from Eritrea, became the first Black African to win a stage at the Tour de France. Today was the day. History was written. After 15 years of dogged determination, a commitment to African cycling…