The mountain roads of Ethiopias north have long ensured it is a hotbed of cycling, until two years of conflict devastated the region. Now, fragmented teams are reforming, determined to triumph Words and pictures by Fred Harter in Axum, Ethiopia As the cyclists wind through the mountains, team coach Tadesse Mikiele, trails in a blue minivan, making observations and discussing tactics with his staff. At one point, he beckons over the captain, Genet Mekonen, who has been trailing at the back. Why are you slowing down on the declines? he asks her. You need to be brave. Increase your speed, attack when you go downhill.
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