Ethiopian Airlines is delighted to renew its sponsorship of its flagship pro cycling team for a further season. Competing in the Contintental division for a second year running, the team aims to build on a solid start and mount a promotion challenge in 2025. The focus on homegrown talents from the entire African continent remains, while reducing the age profile of the squad will be a key challenge to ensure the competitiveness and sustainability of the project. Secondary sponsors and jersey will be unveiled at the official team presentation following the conclusion of transfers.

Founded in 1945, Ethiopian quickly grew to one of the biggest and safest airlines in Africa. Today, they serve 155 passenger destinations, 66 of which in Africa – more than any other airline. This pan-African focus allows the team to scout for talent all over the continent. While some Ethiopian representation is sure to be targeted, having a wide range of African nationalities in the team is the goal.

The release of the annual retained riders list has caused uproar among Ethiopian cycling fans, as their beloved CT team Ethiopian Airlines has sensationally shown all THREE team leaders the door. All had shown solid, if not outstanding performances last season, and their extension was considered a formality.
Sources close to the team indicated that the age profile of climbing ace Pierre Paolo Penasa and puncheur Sven Erik Bystrom had made team leadership apprehensive about offering them leadership for the new season, leaving negotiations deadlocked. It is believed speedster Ryan Gibbons did not feel valued enough by the money put on the table by team manager Damian Ippofix and preferred to test free agency for an improved deal.
The offer made by the team is believed to have been competitive and it remains to be seen if Gibbons’ gamble will pay off. Those in the know believe the team may still place bids on these riders in free agency; however their motivation to return to the team where they did not feel valued could prove a serious stumbling block.



The three supremos were only the tip of the iceberg of the upheaval in the Addis Ababa based team: A whopping thirteen riders will have to search for a new home. Some of the older ones, such as Martijn Keizer, have already announced their retirement, while the likes of Tom Dumoulin will also most likely have to drop down to the amateur ranks to continue racing.
Reliable domestiques such as Gaspar Goncalves and Chris Hamilton may have an easier time finding a new employer, but may also struggle to receive the wages they allegedly rejected from Ethiopian Airlines. The departure of Gibbons, Goncalves, and Chamorro also means that no one left on the roster has won a race in an Ethiopian Airlines jersey.


Of the six riders remaining on the team, Andrea Vendrame is the standout. The presence of Bystrom limited his opportunities last season, however his enticing combination of puncheur ability and speed may see him lead the team more frequently this season. Alternatively, he could also be available for a trade in the right circumstances.
Sources close to the team indicated that indeed all riders on the roster would be available at the right price, however the expectation is that they are most likely to serve as a puzzle piece in a bigger trade rather than be the focus of individual bids.