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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Emotional Tribute At Vermont
- Mikel described the emotional finish at Vermont after Sule Kangangi's death and how teammates honored him crossing the line together.
- He called Sule's death the worst thing that's happened to him and said the gesture was deeply touching.
Continental Status Is A Separate System
- Mikel framed UCI continental status as a distinct governance track with its own rules and costs, not just a performance label.
- He argued teams should build capacity first before entering that bureaucratic world to avoid being stillborn.
Use Gradual Geographic Progression
- Progress athletes gradually from Africa to Asia and then Europe to avoid dropping them into an overwhelming environment.
- Build cultural and racing readiness first so riders don't fail from abrupt transitions.