Tamer Mohamed
CAIRO — Egypt’s national cycling team dominated the 2025 African Track Cycling Championship, clinching the overall title with an impressive haul of 51 medals at the Cairo International Stadium Velodrome.
The recently concluded continental showdown brought together 13 nations, with host nation Egypt dominating the medal standings. The Pharaohs made the most of home advantage to claim top honors with a total of 51 medals—21 gold, 15 silver, and 15 bronze—outpacing South Africa (17 gold, 11 silver, 11 bronze) and Algeria (4 gold, 5 silver, 5 bronze).
The Egyptian Olympic Committee, led by Engineer Yasser Idris, extended its congratulations to Minister of Youth and Sports Dr. Ashraf Sobhi and Cycling Federation President Captain Ayman Ali Hassan on the remarkable achievement.
“These results reflect the tremendous efforts invested by athletes, coaches, and administrators,” said Idris.
“They prove that Egyptian cycling is on the right path toward further success on Arab, continental, and global stages.”
Pedal force
Team Egypt fielded a strong squad of 28 riders—17 men and 11 women—selected by national team manager Mohamed Ibrahim. The roster also included promising youth and junior athletes across both genders.
Notable performers included Ebtissam Zayed and Menna Fathi among the senior women, while the junior and youth categories showcased future stars such as Haneen Osama, Mariam Reda, Mohamed Ayman, and Saif Allah Mohamed.
President of the Cycling Federation, Ayman Ali, commended the team’s commitment and spirit throughout the championship.
“Our riders delivered a powerful message that Egypt is a cycling powerhouse in Africa,” said Ali.
“The technical and logistical backing provided to our athletes played a vital role in these results.”
The event, held in a festive and competitive atmosphere, was praised by participating nations for its high organizational standards and welcoming environment.
Global goals
Beyond medals, the African championship carried qualifying points for the 2025 UCI Track World Championships, set to take place in San Juan, Chile from October 22–26. The competition also contributes to the international rankings of individual athletes and nations.
Minister Ashraf Sobhi’s continued support was highlighted by both the Cycling Federation and the Olympic Committee as a critical pillar of Egypt’s growing sporting profile.
“Thanks to the support from our national leadership, Egypt has become a trusted host for major sporting events,” said Olympic Committee President Yasser Idris. “Now our eyes are set on Olympic success.”
Arab showdown
In a further boost to the sport, Egypt has secured the rights to host the Arab Cycling Championship for seniors and youth this November at the Cairo International Stadium.
The event will include competitions for U23, U18, and U16 categories—making it the region’s only comprehensive age-group championship.
The Egyptian Cycling Federation aims to field its largest squad yet for the event, maximizing opportunities for younger riders to gain international exposure.
Olympic push
Looking ahead, the Federation has launched a long-term development program targeting the 2026 Youth Olympics in Senegal and the 2027 African Games, which Cairo is set to host.
The youth-focused strategy is centered on athletes aged 14–18, with standout names including Malak Mohamed Mazhar, Habiba Osama, and Joudy Mohamed El-Sayed already earmarked for future success.
Federation President Ali recently met with senior national team rider Ganna Eliwa, who won gold at the Suez League, reaffirming the Federation’s commitment to listening to athletes and tailoring support to help them peak on the international stage.
“We’re building not just medalists, but ambassadors for Egypt,” Ali emphasized. “Our vision is to return Egyptian cycling to the top of the continent and earn our place among the world’s elite.”
Future roadmap
The Egyptian Cycling Federation’s Board of Directors recently convened a wide-ranging dialogue session with the technical staff and representatives of all national teams across various age categories, reaffirming its commitment to strategic collaboration and the continued development of elite cycling talent.
The extended meeting served as a platform to openly discuss the needs of players and coaches while reviewing tailored preparation plans and training programs for each team. The goal: to optimize readiness for upcoming continental and international competitions.
Federation President Ali expressed his satisfaction following the session, describing it as a productive step toward aligning visions and strengthening communication within the national setup.
“Engaging directly with athletes and coaches helps unify perspectives and ensures we stay attuned to the real needs on the ground,” he said.
He also highlighted the Egyptian state’s ongoing support for all sports federations, including cycling, adding that the Federation’s current strategy is focused on elevating national teams to genuine contenders on the African stage and achieving a strong, consistent presence at the global level.
