Great Article About The Stradalli - Bike Aid Team At The Tour Of Cameroon

Check out this great article about the Stradalli - Bike Aid Team At The Tour du Cameroun including pics and updates on each stage.

Recap of Stradalli - Bike Aid Success At Tour of Cameroon

Very good news from Stradalli – Bike Aid who sees it’s young rider from Eritrea, Amanuel Mengis achieve an authentic feat by winning the green jersey of the Tour du Cameroun 2016 UCI 2.2

In the final overall standings of the Tour of Cameroon the Stradalli – Bike Aid pro cycling team can be very pleased with their 4 podium finishes (including 1 victory by Jean Bosco Nsengimana in the 5^th stage). Amanuel Mengis finished 4^th place and only 1:01 minutes behind the overall leader. Patrick Lechner, Daniel Bichlmann and Joschka Beck also had strong showings. Mengis also finished 2^nd overall in the youth white jersey category and winning the green jersey , great tour for team Stradalli – Bikeaid .

The 13^th Tour du Cameroun finished Sunday with Stage 8 where riders fought to the finish to decide the outcome of several close battles for leaders jerseys and all jerseys .

Stradalli – BikeAid again placed several riders in the top 10 while working to give Amanuel Mengis the chance at victory in the general classication and the youth classification. At the finish of the race, Amanuel Mengis finished in second place in the youth classification, only 7 seconds behind the leader.

Amanuel Mengis took the youth classification jersey on the hardest stage of the Tour du Cameroun and in the process acquired many points in many different competitions of the race. He took 4^th place in the mountains classification and 4^thoverall in the general classification of the race.

Yves Beau, Stradalli – Bike Aid team director, said pressure was on all the teams to make improvements on general classification.

“Our plan before the stages was to be very active and make sure we are represented in the breakaway,” Beau said. “We were able to put most of the pressure on the Morrocan teams to compete for the GC and Amanuel Mengis brought his time gap to the yellow jersey down to just one minute.”

Though Amanuel Mengis fell short on the general classification, he won the points competition overall for best sprinter of the race and got the green jersey . The Stradalli – Bike Aid rider was in the top 10 at the finish of each stage, showing his great all around skill in flat finishes and hilly, windy stages and his great conditioning .

Patrick Lechner, Stradalli – Bike Aid rider, grabbed a podium spot on the way to helping the team fight for the general classification.

“I am more than happy and proud about today,” Lechner said. “I really wanted to win the stage, but in the end Martin was the strongest in our group and he deserves the victory. I am also very happy about the teamwork we have here at this race. That is a joy for all of us.”

Daniel Bichlmann, Stradalli – Bike Aid rider, said the roads in Cameroun threw all sorts of obstacles at them, but the team stuck together and the bikes rode great.

“Some of the roads we were on were very dangerous,” Bichlmann said. “The bikes rode and handled really well. Some teams had trouble navigating the rough roads, but we were able to just ride and focus on the race and that was key to our success.”

After great showings at La Tropicale Amissa Bongo and Tour du Cameroun, Stradalli – Bike Aid is now ranked top 10 in the world in the UCI Africa Tour. This is a huge success for Stradalli – Bike Aid and the team will travel next to race the Tour du Maroc at the beginning of April.

Tour du Cameroun – Stage 7: Another Great Podium Finish For Stradalli – Bike Aid

Patrick Lechner of Stradalli – Bike Aid finished stage 7 in 3^rd place. After Amanuel Mengis’ strong performances the goal for the race team was clearly defined, they wanted to occupy early breakaways to put the Moroccans under pressure and force them to work.

After a few attacks Patrick Lechner could settle with 5 other riders from the field. The group maintained a lead of more than 6 minutes before the field was led by the Moroccans once more.

Then a battle for the overall title and Daniel Bichlman, Joschka Beck and Jean Bosco Nsengimana did an outstanding job for Amanuel Mengis where a high pace was set on the mountain by the “man in yellow.”

But the Moroccan team worked well and were able to stay out front. It was an exciting day of racing which should decide the final top group. In the last steep part, Martin Mahdar of Slovakia attacked again and Lechner could not follow. However, he was able to secure 3^rd place and the team and sposnors where very excited and proud of him.

“I am super happy with the day, you want to win but I cannot complain. Martin was just a little stronger in the end a deserved to win. I am happy that we raced as a team and worked well together.” Stradalli – Bike Aid rider Patrick Lechner.

Also very encouraging was the 6^th place finish for Amanuel Mengis, solidifying his 3^rd place ranking in the overall standings and youth classification lead and young riders white jerseys 

Daniel Bichlman of Stradalli – Bike Aid pro cycling team Cameroon Diary #3

After a relaxing rest day yesterday in touristy well developed Limbe on the coast of Cameroon we traveled with the tour entourage (with free room and board, including the driver of the Congolese national team who had accidentally missed their original arrival flight, but now they do not want to miss out).

The severe sixth stage between Mbanga and Bafanga was over 129km. From my first participation of the Tour of Cameroon in 2014 I just felt that this was the stage for me. That’s why I and the rest of the team were motivated even more to start on the offensive.

Finally, the group of the day consisted of a Moroccan and myself. Everyone who knows me knows how much I appreciate the typical North African practices. I was surprised to learn that we had a chaser and was even more surprised to learn it was my teammate Jean Bosco from Rwanda who had won the stage the day before. After we teamed up the Moroccan racer no longer wanted to work together.

To get the stage win to the team I decided to try and wear down the Moroccans by alternating attacks. I went on the attack and Jean Bosco wasn’t as fresh as the day before but I wanted to grab the bull by the horns.

All communications were difficult because Bosco is still trying to improve his English. I tried to be as aerodynamic as possible to master my Stradalli Aversa racing machine to curve the remaining 25km of the day.

Unfortunately the group got away from me before the summit of the last climb of the day. I was frustrated and just wanted to get back to the air conditioned hotel room. However, when I saw our teammate Amanuel Mengis had finished well to improve to 3^rd place overall I felt better. 

Cameroon Diary #2: Joschka Beck

The heat was brutal during the Tour du Cameroun. Between that and battling the Moroccans and Cameroonians who were able to acclimate to it much faster, it was a tough race. They ride and attack one after another and we find it challenging to keep up with them in the race. You find yourself thinking about how they would be able to adapt in Germany, in the snow.

Racing here is a lot different than anywhere else in the world . Stage 3 was the longest stage of the program, 177km. Without more topographic difficulties it was still a hard race. It’s not about tactics, it’s about going full throttle and giving it all that you have for hours in the heat . After 2 hours of barely reaching the half way point your legs are noticeably tried but you have to continue to attack.

We tried to stay up with the leaders but it wasn’t going to be easy. In the final, we went to the city of Douola and it began to rain and you had to stick to slippery roads very carefully because of all the construction sites all around. Daniel and Amanuel did a great job in the field sprint. It actually is funny that Amanuel is here with the sprint when he is actually considered one of the best climbers but he always manages to come stay up no matter the circumstances. 

STRADALLI – BIKE AID TAKES WHITE JERSEY IN TOUR DU CAMEROUN

Amanuel Mengis Ghebriendrias taken the lead of the youth classification of the Tour du Cameroun with only 2 stages left in the 8 day UCI 2.2 Africa Tour race.

Amanuel Mengis has placed in the top 10 in every stage so far at the Tour du Cameroun. His consistent placings have seen him slowly rise to the top of the general classification. He now sits 3^rd overall for the entire race and is the best young rider at the Tour du Cameroun.

Stradalli – Bike Aid also sits second in the points classification and third in the mountains classification. The Tour du Cameroun has been a huge success for Stradalli – Bike Aid this far in the race.

Stradalli – Bike Aid Management said the performance of the team and the bikes has been perfect from day 1.

“We haven’t had any issues with crashes and all the riders are riding better than we could have dreamed of. Our equipment is top notch so we have no issues competing at this level. Only two stages are left and the team is very positive.” Management said.

Stage 6 of Tour du Cameroun finished with an epic battle in the final which saw time large time gaps appear throughout the peloton.

Patrik Tybor of Slovakia took the top step of the podium on Stage 6 on the hardest hilliest day of the Tour of Cameroun, but Stradalli – Bike Aid rider Amanuel Mengis Ghebreindrias placed third on the day only 9 seconds behind the winner and put significant time into all the general classification rivals.

The Tour du Cameroun is an 8 stage, UCI 2.2 race on the UCI Africa Tour. In 2016, Stradalli – Bike Aid has raced and taken podium in finishes in every Africa Tour race they have entered. Stradalli – Bike Aid’s mission is to develop young African riders and 2016 has already been a year of success.

Stradalli – Bike Aid has placed multiple riders in the top 10 of every stage of Tour du Cameroun so far and are looking to continue that trend in Stage 7 and Stage 8.

Patrick Lechner, Stradalli – Bike Aid rider from Germany, said the team is performing just as they had planned.

“We came with the intention of riding a great team race and it is paying off,” Lechner said. “We have had great rides so far because of our teamwork. The bikes are riding great and there is nothing holding us back. I just stepped off the bike from stage 6 and I am already ready for stage 7.”

Stradalli – Bike Aid racer Amanuel Mengis makes the Podium On 6th Stage of Tour of Cameroon

Stradalli – Bike Aid pro racer Amanuel Mengis finished the sixed stage of the Tour of Cameroon and climbed to 3^rd in the overall and overall leader in youth classifications with his Aversa road bike now taking the white jersey

After yesterday’s rest day and the stage victory of Jean Bosco Nsengimana from team Stradalli – Bikeaid in the fifth stage, the team was very motivated to start today’s stage. The goal for today was to be aggressive in the mountains to make up time on the yellow jersey leading the Moroccans. Daniel Bichelman and other members of the Stradalli cycle – Bike Aid team planned an attack together which forced the Moroccans to act quickly. The timing was perfect for Amanuel Mengis to settle in a three-strong group of remaining pursuers of the yellow jersey to make up crucial time.

Now only 1:01 minutes behind the overall leader, Mengis ranks third in the overall standings and leads the juniors white jersey standings. The last mountain stage is tomorrow and a good starting point is feasible. 

Stradalli-Bike Aid Has Strong History At Tour Of Cameroon

Few years ago when the german based pro team won their first victory in the Tour de Cameroon. It began with Dan Craven getting the overall victory in 2014. Then it was Daniel Bichman who was dominant and Mekseb Debesay (now with Team Dimension Data of the World Tour) who won the overall classification of the UCI Africa Tour.

Now the Stradalli-Bike Aid team is chasing down victories all over Africa. There have been plenty of obstacles in the way but that is not going to stop this team. They have established a solid reputation amongst racers and fans in Africa.

As Jean Bosco Nsengimana and Amanuel Mengis race on their Stradalli Aversa full carbon road bikes for the Tour victory, they also rely on the help and support of their teammates during the stages. Teammates like Joschka Beck , Patrick lechner and Daniel bichelman who play a key role in the team Stradalli – Bikeaids success.

The 8 stages of the tour along the West African country are beautiful and grueling. As they ride through the mountains of Cameroon they battle tough climate conditions near the equator but they continue to battle and hoping for a overall team win .

Cameroon Diary: Daniel Bichlman

This is my third time in the West African country. I know what I’ve gotten myself into, Europe cannot compare with racing here. It literally would fill a book to try and explain the differences between the two.

After resting for a couple of hours on Thursday to heal the legs from the previous four days of ten-hour journeys from the wintry Chiemgau it was time to begin a new challenge. The stage looked simple enough on paper, only 128km of flat surface, no significant slopes and the best road conditions you could ask for.

There was no delay at the start, countless attacks and crazy initial tempo. Then after some time there was a 19 man lead group around our teammate of Stradalli-Bike Aid, Amanuel Mengis of Eritrea. Joschka Beck was also near the front and working hard to help Mengis throughout the day.

The heat was brutal and not a good thing for all of the pale European riders like myself but we did our best. It was also a challenge switching from the winter of home to the heat of Africa so quickly. In most cases the Stradalli Aversa road bikes we are riding are able to stand up to the challenge better than we are.

We raced well throughout the days as a complete team but Joschka , Patrick and I were envious of our teammates Jean Bosco Nsengimana and Amanuel Mengis because of how well they were able to handle the heat. We pride ourselves in helping them learn while racing in Europe but they are certainly the teachers here in Africa. Hopefully we can continue our progress and the next few days of racing will see great results for Stradalli -Bike Aid. 

Tour of Cameroon Stage 1: Amanuel Mengis Of Stradalli-Bike Aid In 7th Place

The cold temperatures of racing in Europe are a distant memory as the Stradalli-Bike Aid Team starts begins the Tour du Cameroun in the heat of West Africa.

The first stage was actually not too hard on the riders with fair conditions and 128 km of mostly flat terrain. Team captains Amanuel Mengis and Jean Bosco Nsengimana are used to these conditions and it showed as Mengis on the Stradalli Aversa full carbon road bike was in the lead group along with teammate Joschka Beck.

 The brutal heat took its toll on the riders, especially during the later stages of the day but Mengis continued to perform well and stay with the leaders, finishing in 7th on the day.

Stradall-Bike Aid Jean Bosco Nsengimana Wins Stage 5 Of Tour du Cameroun

Today’s 5TH stage of Tour the Cameroon, Jean Bosco Nsengimana took his first victory for Team STRADALLI – BIKE AID in 2016. 

Daniel Bichlmann, Amanuel Mengis and Patrick Lechner ended up with a amazing places 6, 8 and 9. Four racers in the top 10 at a UCI 2.2

What more can we say than the obvious. Today was not the worst day the guys had so far. That the trend went up during the last days was also obvious, but no one expected such a result or even dream of it. Four Stradalli-Bike Aid riders finished among the Top 10 and taking the stage win in solitude,  just incredible ! “It was just an amazing day today. We were all highly motivated after Amanuel’s 2^nd place yesterday and planned to put Jean Bosco in the break, because everybody was watching Amanuel now. And we did it!”, Yves Beau, the Sporting Director of the team said.

The 5^th stage led about 101 Kilometers from Douala to Kimba through slight hilly landscape. Those were the best conditions for Jean Bosco Nsengimana, the climber from Rwanda who rides for the German Pro team STRADALLI – BIKEAID since January 2016: “I am more than happy now that I took the first win on my Stradalli Aversa and im in this awesome new jersey. This means really a lot to me and makes me proud to race for our team. And the guys support for me was absolutely great!” Nsengimana said. The ambitions still remain high now, as with Amanuel Mengis and Jean Bosco Nsengimana the team STRADALLI – BIKE AID has super strong climbers and both of them are still able to win the general classification.

Today is definitely a great day for the entire team and all sponsors for team STRADALLI – BIKEAID today we have a reason to smile and celebrate 

Recap of Stage 2 of Tour du Cameroun

Stage 2 of Tour du Cameroun was fast all the way to the end with a tight sprint finish after 153 kilometers of hills and extreme winds.

The Tour du Cameroun is infamous for its windy stages which often cause for large time gaps in the the peloton.

It was a successful day for the Stradalli – Bike Aid team as they placed three riders in the top 10 of stage 2. That's the most top 10 placings in one stage for Stradalli – Bike Aid since La Tropicale Amissa Bongo where they grabbed a podium place and a top 10 finish.

The team is focusing on stage wins being a primary goal, but team resources are being towards giving Amanuel Mengis Ghebreindrias from Eritrea, the best chance for success. Amanuel Mengis is only 21 years of age and is one of the most promising riders to come out of Africa in the past year.

Last year Mengis finished the UCI 2.2 race which consists of 10 stages, in third place of the youth competition. The Tour du Maroc is one of the most prestigious and difficult races in all of Africa.

The talented young rider from Eritrea now sits only 15 seconds off the lead of the youth classification in Cameroun thanks to incredible teamwork by Stradalli – Bike Aid which allowed him to finish in the top 10 on the first two stages. Mengis is best known for his climbing ability which gives him an advantage for the upcoming hilly days. 

Stradalli-Bike Aid Heads Into The Tour du Cameroun

The Stradalli – Bike Aid Conti team begins the Tour du Cameroun today as the defending champions of the race. It's a race rich in history where the team has had major success in the past.

Last year Bike Aid racer Dan Craven, formerly Team Europcar, led the team to a general classification win in the Tour du Cameroun which was one of the biggest wins in team history. Craven is one of several success stories of Stradalli –Bike Aid who will be looking to match that result this year.

The Tour du Cameroun is a UCI 2.2 race and has been a part of the UCI Africa Tour since 2005. UCI Africa is contested by the top cyclists in all of Africa and attracts many pro continental and World Tour teams as well.

Daniel Bichlmann, Joschka Beck and Jean Bosco Nsengimana of Stradalli Bike Aid are all racers who have had a great amount of success so far this season and will be racing the Tour du Cameroun in hopes of continuing that trend.

Bichlmann, who was continuously present in breakaways at the Challenge Mallorca is looking for a repeat performance at Cameroun.

"The goal for each race is to improve as a team. I am off to a good start this year but we are not a team that is top heavy. Every race someone else will have a big day, we are only as strong as the last guy on our roster but that's the team you want to be on. We all pull for each other and do anything we can to help our teammate." Bichlmann 

Beck had the most impressive outing of the year for Stradalli – Bike Aid at the La Tropicale Amissa Bongo, the biggest race of the year in the UCI Africa Tour. 

“We have a great group of guys here and we battle each and every week. It's always special for us to race in Africa because we spend so much time here. The competition is always tough but we love these races and hope to represent the team well." Joschka Beck