Tanzanian Rider Richard Lazier - Arusha Cycling Club

During our trip to Africa last spring, we had the chance to meet up with the Arusha Cycling Club in Arusha Tanzania. Immediately we were impressed by the talent of these riders. As they joined us for 3 days of our trek to Kilimanjaro, they hammered along at the front, forming perfect echelon pace lines in the cross winds. On the 7mile climb up to the Marangu gate on the edge of Kilimanjaro, they quickly dropped us as the road pitched up.

One rider there in particular has shown remarkable talent. Richard Laizer is the strongest rider in Tanzania and one of the strongest in Africa. The Arusha Cycling Club is aiming to secure him a spot in the U23 world championships.

Laizer recently returned from a prominent African race in Rwanda, the UCI ranked Kwita Izina Cycling Tour. At the event, the Arusha Cycling Club raced well, placing Laizer in 18th overall and 3rd in U23.

From our visit with the Arusha Cycling Club and their riders back in March, it was evident that these talented riders lacked much of the basic equipment that we take for granted here in the USA. We were able to supply the club with 2 proper race quality bikes and some cycling kit from Team Globalbike to help out. In this photo, Laizer is proudly holding one of the nicest bikes in all of Tanzania, donated by a member of the Globalbike team.