Can new wave of African cyclists produce 'second Girmay'?

Milkias Maekele helped Eritrea to medals at the African Games and African Road Cycling Championships last year

Milkias Maekele may look young for a professional cyclist, but the 19-year-old already has the confident air of a champion.

Following victory in a one-day race in Algeria this year, the Eritrean sprinter is drawing comparisons with a compatriot who has reached the pinnacle of the sport.

Rumours abound that Maekele's power output and associated data match levels recorded at a similar age by Biniam Girmay, the green jersey winner at last year's Tour de France - fuelling a growing excitement about his potential.

"Many people have told me I might become the second Biniam," Maekele told BBC Sport Africa.

"I am incredibly happy about this and it gives me so much motivation."

Yet his fledgling career has already provided several challenging moments.

"I was nervous and doubted myself," he said.

"I asked whether I was good enough or if I should, like many others my age back home, go into the military."

Rather than return to the Eritrean capital Asmara, Maekele's persistence on the bike has been rewarded - as he was handed a contract by Bike Aid earlier this month.

Maekele is the 24th rider from the continent - and 11th from Eritrea - to appear for the German-registered outfit since they turned professional in 2013.

"Eritrea is a cycling-crazy country full of passion and raw talent," team manager Matthias Schnapka said.

"Milkias' route into international cycling has not been easy, but we genuinely believe in him."

Speed and hunger

Maekele is the latest African rider recruited by Bike Aid team manager Matthias Schnapka (left)

Maekele, a tall, thoughtful and articulate young man, now aims to repay Bike Aid's faith.

He began to do that at the Tour of Mersin in Turkey, securing third place in Sunday's final stage and finishing 13th in the points classification.

Fellow Eritrean Metkel Eyob, who also raced at the event, sees Maekele as a rider with "real sprinting talent".

"His explosive acceleration and fearless racing style mark him as another future contender from Africa in world cycling," Eyob said.

"He has the natural speed and hunger to become Eritrea's next great sprinter."

While Girmay is the poster boy for African cycling on the elite stage, the number of professionals from across the continent is steadily increasing.

There were a total of 17 entrants from Africa among the 171 declared starters at the Tour of Mersin, making it the largest ever such contingent at a professional road race sanctioned by the world governing body (UCI) on European soil.

According to Team Africa Rising, a non-profit organisation which helps riders and teams access equipment and training, there are almost 150 male and female riders from the continent who hold professional deals this season.

Those are encouraging numbers just five months away from the UCI Road World Championships, which will be held in Africa for the first time when Rwanda hosts in September.

"Seeing the start list for the Tour of Mersin, I had a real feeling of affirmation that all the work we have been doing since 2007 is really paying off," Team Africa Rising chief executive Kimberly Coats said.

"This year is a key moment for cycling in Africa. It is just brilliant to see the growth."

African riders on the rise

Kiya Rogora (centre) has set himself the goal of starting a Grand Tour

When the first African riders started competing in Europe a decade ago, in many cases they were forced to fight it out in races as individuals.

Now that they are getting significant real estate as part of teams in the peloton, it makes them feel less like outsiders.

"When you are in cycling and doing such difficult races, only you and the riders around you know how hard it is," explained Coats.

"When you are surrounded by Europeans, it is hard to relate and communicate.

"When you have riders around you to whom you can relate better, it helps the mental processing in a race."

Ethiopia's Kiya Rogora, who rides for continental tour team X-Speed United, is another good example of the young talent beginning to make a mark.

"I am still learning my craft and being at these big European races is the best way to do this," the 21-year-old told the BBC.

"They are much more intense and competitive.

"Seeing my fellow East African riders at these races really inspires me. It can be lonely sometimes, and seeing so many guys I know in one place is just wonderful."

Inspiring the next generation

Seven African riders finished in the top 25 at the Tour of Mersin

At the other end of the age spectrum is Madar Pro Cycling Team's Azzedine Lagab, an Algerian who is regarded as one of the most efficient and intelligent African riders.

The 38-year-old, in his 14th season as a professional, provides an example to follow for the South Africans and fellow Algerians on what is the continent's top-ranked team.

"I do not feel like a guide myself but just feel proud when some of the younger guys are showing respect to me," he said.

"I was so happy when some of them in Turkey told me I was their inspiration."

South Africa's Stefan de Bod took the overall race win at the Tour of Mersin, while seven Africans finished in the top 25 in the general classification.

More riders from across the continent are expected to take part in key races across Europe in the coming months in preparation for their 'home' event in Rwanda in September.

Whether or not calls to declare cycling the 'second sport of Africa' are eventually successful, the continent is certainly rising on two wheels.