Eritrean Henok Mulubrhan underlined his status as one of Africa’s brightest cycling prospects after seizing the Yellow Jersey and winning the general classification and the Points Jersey for the Tour of Qinghai Lake in China on Sunday.
It appeared that Uruguayan Eric Fagundez had won the general classification with the announcers even confirming his win. However, an inspirational surge late on from Mulubrhan snatched the title away in spectacular fashion.
Finally hard working pay off with fantastic team @TDQL_Official yellow and green jesrey and team classification what a week @Bardiani_CSF pic.twitter.com/5AXbUkS9ek
— HENOK MULUBRHAN (@henokmulubrhan) July 16, 2023
Mulubrhan shone throughout the tour in the colours Green Project-Bardiani CSF-Faizanè after eight strong stages that included a victory in stage seven amongst consistent top 10 finishes for all but two stages.
View from the above
What a Sprint @henokmulubrhan 🇪🇷
— Jonathan (@itsEritrea) July 15, 2023
It is not the first time the star cyclist has stood atop the podium as the winner of the general classification this year as he claimed the title at the Tour du Rwanda in February this year.
Mulubrhan, who sits in third spot in UCI Africa Tour rankings, was massively delighted to claim the win, especially in such dramatic circumstances. The Eritrean expressed his gratitude for all his fans and those who supported him on his journey to glory.
“I am incredibly happy with this success as we accomplished our goal. I launched an attack in the final 600 meters, enabling me to gain a few seconds in the standings.
“This season has been the pinnacle of my career, starting with the Tour du Rwanda and now here in China at Qinghai Lake. I owe it all to my team and teammates; I am forever grateful to them. I also want to express my gratitude to my fans worldwide who supported me even from thousands of miles away. I want to dedicate this victory to my family,” the champion told Green Project-Bardiani CSF-Faizanè’s Official Website.
The 23-year-old’s consistency in 2023 has been impressive with strong finishes in the GP Industria & Artigianato (24th), the Tour of the Alps (40th), Eschborn-Frankfurt (36th), Giro dell’Apennino (3rd) and the Eritrea Road National Championships (3rd).
Remember the name, Mulubrhan is a star for the present and certainly for the future. Another one of Africa’s talents puts his name in lights through determination, hard work and dedication.
Photo credits: Green Project-Bardiani CSF-Faizanè’s Twitter.
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