Ksanet Weldemichael, one of Eritrea’s top female riders with two National Championship titles has made her way to France for a UCI (Union Cycliste Internationale) year plus course. Through her relentless work and undeniable talent in road race and time trial, this aspiring rider has got an offer to further extend her experience and opportunities. She is determined to take part in the upcoming Women World Cycling Championship. Let’s hear it from her.
Thank you for your time Ksanet. Walk us through your cycling background please?
Thank you for the opportunity. My love for cycling started when I was a junior school student. I started riding in school competitions and begun to discover my passion for it. We were using school bicycles for the competitions back then. Once the competitions were over, I was left with a desperate passion for cycling. I talked to my father and persuaded him to buy me a mountain bike. Hence, in 2018, I joined Warsay team. After 5 months however, I left the team and joined Serair Sawa Cycling Team and have been riding for the team ever since. I am also a member of the national team, and have so far won two road race national championship titles in 2023 and 2024. I also took part in the All African games in Ghana as part of Eritrean national team.
What inspired you? And what was your family’s reaction?
My inspiration was from within. I used to love cycling before even learning how to ride. My mother was very worried in the beginning as we had already lost a family member due to an accident related to sports. It was very hard for her to understand that I was more passionate on this sport than anything else in life. I was persistent though. My father on the other hand was very supportive and optimistic about it. And in less than a year, Serair Sawa team got extraordinary results that made my parents a lot more supportive. I am very lucky to get so much love and support from my family, my team and all the fans.
What is this UCI course about?
The titles I got in the road race of the 2023 and 2024 National Cycling Championships opened a way for such an opportunity with the UCI. This UCI course is going to be in France where technical, theoretical and practical courses are going to be given and I will be participating in different UCI competitions as a UCI team member. It’s a stepping stone to being a world-class rider. It is also going to be a great opportunity for me as the 2025 World Cycling Championships will be taking place in Rwanda, Africa. And it is a part of the UCI’s strategy to expand the courses given to Africans for more opportunities. I feel very lucky and I’m very grateful. I am determined to use such an opportunity to put Eritrea’s name among the top as a female rider.
Where do you think Eritrea’s women cycling stands?
I believe that we had many strong and influential female riders since many years ago. We have had many female riders who qualified for the Olympics. In my opinion however, the case hasn’t been the same recently. I think there haven’t been enough competitions and opportunities compared to our male counterparts. But I believe that we are progressing every time with the help of the federation and I hope we work our way up just like our brothers and put our mark as excellent female riders in the near future.
What hardships do you think a female faces in sports?
I believe that every sport has its own hardships that must be overcome to get to where you want. With a strong discipline and consistency, summed up with a clear goal and determination however, I believe anyone can pass through these testing times. Being a female athlete, injuries and accidents happen that instil some worry to your family. There are people who try to distract you or try to get in your head and make you choose another path or career. But as I mentioned, your commitment and willpower makes you reach your goals. And that is exactly what I am doing right now.
What piece of advice do you have for young athletes like yourself?
I just want to tell them that opportunities like this are bound to happen and so they just have to keep training and practicing. There are of course going to be many difficulties, but we need to be psychologically prepared and keep on going no matter what. I believe that we are capable of making a history just like our fellow male athletes and just like our senior female ones.
What is your primary endeavor now?
Just like my role models, Mosana Debesay and the late Desiet Kidane, I want the world to call Eritrea’s name with best international female cyclists.
Anything else you’d like to add…
I just want to send out my love and appreciation to my family, my team, my coach and my fans from Hadsh adi, abashawl and adi msa who have been by my side supporting me. I also want to extend my gratitude to the national federation and sports commission for such motivation and opportunity.
Thank you!