Ethiopian Cyclist Hadnet Asmelash wins BestMed Satellite Classic race

Hadnet Asmelash

Ethiopian female rider Hadnet Asmelash (WCCA) out sprinted runner-up Carla Oberholzer (Clover, South Africa) and fellow Ethiopian teammate Tsega Gebre to win the BestMed Satelite Classic race in South Africa. Her winning time was 3:00.01.

Speaking to Ethiopian News Agency (ENA) after the race, she said that she was happy with the victory and was equally elated that fellow Ethiopian Tsega finished third. She also noted that the local media doesn’t give enough coverage to the sport of cycling and this has to change.

Hadnet, who won a bronze medal at the All Africa Games held in Congo Brazzaville this past month, will be the sole representative of Ethiopia at the 2016 Rio Games.

 

In the men’s race, Meron Teshome of Eritrea sprinted to the classic win in a time of 2:27:27, with Jayde Julius and Metkel Eyob taking second and third respectively.

It was Teshome’s last race on South African soil before relocating to Germany, where he has signed with UCI Continental team Bike Aid for the 2016 season. In the interim, he will rejoin his national team for the Tour of Rwanda.

The 23-year-old said the victory had been a bittersweet parting gift from his team.

Source: ENA & Cycling News South Africa