Eritrean cycling team faces visa issues and kit fines

The Eritrean national cycling team faced significant administrative and financial challenges during the UCI Road World Championships in Canada. The squad was weakened by visa issues that prevented key riders Amanuel Ghebreigzabhier and Natnael Tesfatsion from entering the country to compete in the elite men’s road race.

Following the race, the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) issued fines totaling 2,400 CHF to the team for kit violations. Riders Biniam Girmay and Henok Mulueberhan were each fined 500 CHF for wearing non-matching clothing, violating UCI Article 2.12.007.3.9. Team director Samsom Ghebreyesus received a 1,000 CHF fine for the same offense. The penalties were issued because the riders appeared in different jerseys and bib shorts rather than a uniform national team kit.