The inaugural Africa Cycling Excellence Awards (ACEA) ceremony honoured Africa's cyclists of the year on Saturday evening in Kigali, in the presence of Rwanda's Minister of State for Sports, Rwego Ngarambe, CAC President Yao Allah-Kouamé and Freddy Kamuzinzi, promoter of ACEA.
In the men's category, Girmay topped the rankings ahead of fellow Eritreans Henok Mulubrhan and Milkias Maekele, who had also been shortlisted in the top three.
The Eritrean has been voted Africa's best cyclist for the fifth time, following his successes in 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2024. The former Tour de France green jersey winner has once again had a magnificent season, with podium finishes in the biggest races proving his consistency at the highest level worldwide.
On the women's side, Kim Le Court edged out Ethiopia's Kahsay Tsige Kiros and Selam Amha Gerefiel.
The Mauritian rider demonstrated her talent this season by winning a stage of the Tour de France and becoming the first African woman to wear the yellow jersey (for four days). She also won the classic Liège-Bastogne-Liège in the spring, the first time an African rider has won a World Tour event.
The finalists had been narrowed down from a larger pool of 18 cyclists, which included two Rwandans: Ingabire Diane and Nirere Xaveline.
For this first award in the amateur category reserved for riders who do not belong to a professional UCI team, Burkina Faso champion Paul Daumont won over the jury members with his dedication and experience, which have made him one of the most successful cyclists on the continent for several years.
He took first place ahead of South African Blaine Kieck, winner of several races in France, and Malian Tiemoko Diamouténé, who won stages in three major national tours, in Mali, Côte d'Ivoire and Togo.
Eritrea's national team was crowned Team of the Year after outperforming Rwanda and Mauritius.
Regional and national winners also recognised
The awards also honoured outstanding cyclists within the East African Community (EAC). In this category, Nsengiyumva Odette from Burundi won the women's award, while Charles Kagimu of Uganda claimed the men's title.
In Rwanda, Masengesho Vainqueur of Benediction Club was named the best male cyclist of the year, with Nirere Xaveline, who races for Team Amani of Kenya, winning the women's award.
Rwanda has also been selected to host the ACEA awards again in 2026 before the event rotates to other countries on the continent.
Eric Tony Ukurikiyimfura
