When COVID-19 stopped all our operations throughout the African continent Team Africa Rising was forced to rethink how to identify, train and foster the cycling talent of the young men and women on the continent. Team Africa Rising shifted funding to provide smart trainers and access to the Zwift online training platform so now, cycling hopefuls in Rwanda, Uganda, Kenya, and Benin are racing against each other weekly on Zwift. It is the future of the sport and will provide the much-needed data to professional teams when they are considering an African cyclist. 

The world of professional women’s cycling is just beginning to advance worldwide. However, on the African continent, the women still face insurmountable odds due to culture, lack of access to bikes, training, and coaching, and an unquestionably poor racing schedule.

Team Africa Rising is working towards launching the first Pan African women’s professional cycling team. Until that team becomes a reality we will advocate for equality in opportunities for women and access to all the same opportunities afforded the men. TAR will also support individual women selected for European or American teams via stipends, flights and access to sponsored gear.