Laizer urges cyclists boost after historic World Race

ZURICH, SWITZERLAND: MORE than 40 cyclists rode over 50 kilometres from Arusha City to Kilimanjaro International Airport in the Kilimanjaro region to welcome home Richard Laizer, the first Tanzanian rider to participate in the prestigious Union Cycling International (UCI) Cycling World Championships.

Laizer, who made history by competing in the global event in Zurich, Switzerland, touched down in Tanzania on Tuesday to a hero’s welcome.

Speaking after his arrival, he called on the government to invest more in cycling and other sports beyond soccer.

“I was the first Tanzanian to participate in the Swiss cycling event and throughout the race, Tanzania’s name was being cheered in the arena,” Laizer remarked.

“Many people learned about our country through my participation.”

The 35-year-old cyclist competed in the UCI World Championships, racing against the world’s best over a 46.1-kilometre course.

Laizer finished in 51st place out of 84 participants, completing the course with a time of 1 hour, 7 minutes and 11 seconds, at an average speed of 41.1 kilometres per hour.

The race was won by Belgium’s Olympic champion, Remco Evenepoel.

Laizer’s participation marks a significant milestone for Tanzanian cycling and he hopes his achievements will pave the way for greater support for the sport.

“Tanzania spends a lot on soccer, but there are other sports, like cycling, that can put our country on the global map,” Laizer emphasised.

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He proudly showcased the Tanzanian flag on his jersey during the race.

Mosses Andrea, the chairperson of the Arusha Cycling Association, echoed Laizer’s sentiments, calling for increased backing from both the government and private investors.

“Tanzanian cyclists have the potential to shine at the World Championships and even at the Olympics,” Andrea said.

Laizer’s cycling journey began in 2004, when, at the age of 15, he raced in a local event in Arusha using a single-speed bike loaned by his uncle.

Since then, he has been crowned Tanzanian national champion multiple times and became the first Tanzanian to sign a professional contract with the German-based African team Bike-Aid in 2015 and 2016.

A dedicated athlete, Laizer balances his cycling career with his role as a husband and father of three.

He currently rides for the Shifters Cycling Club in Arusha and works for Red Knot, a company that organizes sporting events such as trail runs and mountain bike races on Mount Kilimanjaro.

Laizer has received crucial support from his long-time friend Nicola Morganti, chairman of the Italian non-profit organisation Fundazione Acra, as well as from Swiss nonprofits Velafrica and Drahtessel.