By Samson Haile
Giocattoli idermec, with whom he will officially debut with professionals, has signed a contract for 2021 and 2022.
This season he competed with NTT's Continental team, already competing in several races with the professionals. And for him, who knows how to defend himself well on several routes, there were good results both at the Tropical Amissa Bongo and at the Tour du Rwanda where he finished first in the general classification. The runner, who in 2020 also stood out in Poland, announces himself as one of the most interesting young Africans.
The team manager of Androni Giocattoli Sidermec Gianni Savio talks about the new engagement: «Consistent with the youth project, with which we have achieved excellent results in recent years, we are now continuing with the launch of Natnael Tesfatsion. The twenty-one year old Eritrean has shown his talent this year, running and winning with NTT Development ».
On the day which saw 'Africa's Team' announce that they're staying in the peloton next year, another rider from the NTT Continental Team has taken the next step and signed a pro contract.
The 21-year-old follows a steady stream of Eritreans to the top levels of cycling in recent years, with Natnael Berhane, Amanuel Gebreigzabhier, Biniam Grmay, Merhawi Kudus all racing for a professional team in 2021.
Tesfatsion has enjoyed a successful 2020 campaign, winning a stage and the youth classification at La Tropicale Amissa Bongo, where he ended up second overall, and winning the Tour de Rwanda.
"Consistent with the youth project, with which we have achieved excellent results in recent years, we are now continuing with the signing of Natnael Tesfatsion," said team boss Gianni Savio. "The 21-year-old Eritrean has shown his talent this year, racing and winning with NTT Development Team."
Translated by Dr. Selam Kidane