The Amani Project: Founder Mikel Delagrange and athlete Geoffrey Langat

Shownotes

The Amani project brings together initiatives aimed at enhancing inclusivity in cycling and creating opportunities for riders based in Africa. Their aim is to give the Africans opportunities to race, nationally and internationally, turning the hobby/sport into a profession. Therefore creating role models for children and a next cycling generation. The Amani Project was found by the American human rights lawyer, Mikel Delagrange, who is also owner of the coffee shop Lola bikes and coffee. He’s one of the guests for today's podcast. He and his team started a cycling race called the migration gravel race: A semi supported four-day stage race across the wilds of the Maasai in Kenya. Over the course of 4 days participants are riding 650 kilometres with 8000 meters of climbing. By having the opportunity of racing against professional riders from all other the world, the African riders can demonstrate their strength and ability. In stage 3 of this year's migration gravel race the Kenyan rider Geoffrey Langat, my second guest today, took the first place against other African and professional riders, such as the American pro cyclists Ian Boswell. because of COVID-19, and the cancellation of last year's race, the Amani project made sure that African athletes could still race by setting up online-racing as a tool for them. Together with sponsors they provided home trainers for the east-African training facilities. Furthermore, The Amani project created a Team, called Team Amani. Which also provides the chance for team members to participate in races outside of Africa. By talking to Mikel and Geoffrey we would like to show you two perspectives of the Amani project one from an organizer point of view and one from a rider that is now a part of Team Amani.