The Amani Project: Founder Mikel Delagrange and athlete Geoffrey Langat

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.