If there could be any doubt about the difficulties facing African riders attempting to build a career in the European-based world of professional cycling, the latest Road World Championships in Kigali, when the world's riders had to do the reverse, should have proven a reminder.
Even with a rainbow jersey at stake, some nations, such as Denmark, sent a limited number of riders citing the high costs as an issue – though that is just one of the concerns for African riders trying to make the trip in the opposite direction, as even if they overcome all other obstacles, visas can also create another roadblock. Now, however, Team Africa Rising have put in place another way to try and provide opportunity despite the at times insurmountable challenge of racing internationally.
