Ashleigh Moolman Pasio, a decorated South African cyclist with 49 UCI race victories to her name, including the prestigious 2022 Tour de Romandie, is about to transition into a new chapter of her career. After her final season with AG Insurance-Soudal in 2026, she will begin a new role as general manager for Team Amani in 2027. Her transition is part of the team's long-term plan to elevate the women’s squad to the Tour de France Femmes by 2028.
African team’s bold ambition
Team Amani, a cycling initiative based in East Africa, was founded with a clear objective: to dismantle barriers in professional cycling and create new opportunities for African riders to reach the top of the sport. The women’s team has already begun racing internationally in Europe, taking part in events like the Volta a Catalunya and the Tour Féminin des Pyrénees. These steps are paving the way for an ambitious target — to compete in the Tour de France Femmes by 2028.
The men’s team, under the direction of sports director Clint Hendricks, currently competes in UCI Continental third-tier events and has shown international reach this season by racing in Rwanda, Mauritius, and Türkiye. Both the men's and women's squads are exclusively composed of African riders, focusing on growing talent and building a sustainable path for athletes from the continent.
Moolman Pasio to share her legacy
Moolman Pasio, who has been competing at a professional level since 2010, is widely recognized as the most experienced African rider in women's cycling. She recently announced in a press release that she is eager to pass her wealth of knowledge and experience to the next generation. “Building Team Amani isn’t just another job for me. It is the natural continuation of everything I’ve worked for,” Moolman Pasio said.
The South African cyclist acknowledged that her career was shaped by unconventional solutions to challenges. Now, she wants to ensure that African riders don’t face the same hurdles she once did. Her ultimate goal is to help build a clear and accessible pathway for emerging talent, both on and off the track.
Earlier this year, the team was represented at the Grand Départ of the Tour de France Femmes in Lausanne, where the news about Moolman Pasio’s new role was announced. Rwandan Xaverine Nirere and Ugandan Mary Aleper traveled with the race convoy and were given unique access to interact with riders behind the podium after each stage. This experience offered them a firsthand look at the highest level of the sport.
Team Amani was originally focused on off-road disciplines but shifted focus two years ago to include road racing in its development plans. The team’s vision is not only to compete internationally but also to inspire change in a sport long dominated by European athletes.
Currently, Tsgabu Grmay, a former men’s WorldTour professional, leads the women’s team, which is mostly made up of Ethiopian riders. Under his leadership, the team has been building momentum in preparation for its future goals. With Moolman Pasio stepping into her new role, the team is poised to take an even bolder step forward.
Moolman Pasio’s move reflects a broader effort in the sport to diversify the cycling landscape. By mentoring and developing African talent, she is helping to create a new generation of cyclists who are not only competing but also thriving on the global stage.
The journey for Team Amani has just begun, but its mission — to bridge the gap in professional cycling and provide equal opportunities — is gaining momentum. With leaders like Moolman Pasio at the helm, the team is setting an example for how inclusion and innovation can reshape the future of the sport.