Henok is back, Henok Is back if we allow an onomatopoeic license. After winning the GC at Tour Du Rwanda 2023, the Mulubrhan surname has established itself to the point of bringing him into the Astana ranks. The respect from other African and Rwandan riders towards the 25-year-old from Asmara is significant.

How did the idea of returning here to Kigali come about?

"I wanted to come back, showcase myself on these roads and hopefully win with my national team, which is a strong squad".

A Tuscan digression with an Eritrean flavor: ready for the 2-2 roommate (they both live in Vinci, near Florence) Tesfatsion?

"He has won here in two editions, so I'm chasing him. We have similar paths in turning professional and above all, we support each other daily, appreciating both Italy and Vinci in particular".

Also training on San Baronto: Strava doesn't lie, the ascent record belongs to Mulubrhan.

"A nice satisfaction especially because the record previously belonged to Visconti, not just anyone".

Is the 2025 World Championship hard or extremely hard?

"I'd say 'strongly difficult', a historic opportunity for the entire Continent to develop cycling from the base to the top. We Eritreans are a leading Nation, and the centrality of the bicycle in each of our lives gives us an advantage. Just take a ride through the streets of Asmara full of people cycling to understand what I'm talking about".

A step back to 2015 when Teklehaimanot wore the polka dot jersey at the Tour de France.

"Back then, my vocation for two wheels was yet to fully develop. He did so much for an entire generation of cyclists, and I'm honored by his support".

Worried about the conflict in Congo at the Rwanda border?

"I'm happy to be here, and we are reassured about the maximum measures to ensure everything goes best for the entire week".

Not much time has passed since the Bardiani days.

"With them, after the formative experience at Qubeka, I not only won quickly but learned a lot about the life of a rider. I grew as an individual too. Now at Astana, my adaptation continues in the most satisfactory way".

And Girmay's choice not to be at the World Championship?

"He has repeatedly stated that it's not suitable to his characteristics, but this doesn't make his role less important for Eritrean cycling and as an ambassador of African cycling".

So, will you race the World Championship with a desire to surprise?

"There will be selection, a lot of it, but we Eritreans will leave nothing untried".

Perhaps personally with the momentum from a victory at Tour Du Rwanda?

"Such a fundamental race to spread cycling must be experienced with ambition and enthusiasm. Of this I am certain" - explains confidently the three-time African road champion.