On the demanding stages through the Sahand Mountains, the team impressed with determination and strong teamwork. Just 19 years old, Eritrean rider Milkias Maekele won the opening stage in a sprint and wore the leader's jersey for several days. Dawit Yemane then claimed victory on the first mountain stage and took over the yellow jersey from his teammate. In the end, Milkias Maekele and Yoel Habteab finished second in the overall standings. The win in the team classification completed the perfect result.
It is already BIKE AID’s third overall podium this season, all at stage races in the UCI 2.1 category. This continues an impressive run of success and highlights the potential of the team from Saarland.
Milkias Maekele is considered one of the most promising cycling talents in Eritrea. First contacts with WorldTour teams have already taken place. His performances so far are very promising, even though, at just 19 years old, he still needs time and experience to grow. “We are happy when our riders attract the attention of the big teams,” says team manager Matthias Schnapka. “Since our success at the Tour of Hellas, there have also been several conversations regarding Anton Schiffer. Of course, we hope to continue developing our own team so we can retain these kinds of talents in the long term. But at the same time, it is a great sign that our concept is working.”
But the true meaning of this journey cannot be measured in results. Because anyone who travels to Iran not only encounters a fascinating country, but also a reality very different from what official travel warnings and headlines might suggest. Despite serious concerns and political tensions, BIKE AID found an atmosphere of warmth, openness, and sincere curiosity.
For the young athletes from Europe, it was a formative and deeply moving experience. Without cycling, they would never have had such insight into the lives and people of this region. These encounters open eyes – on both sides. Many people in Iran suffer under the image portrayed in Western media, even though they themselves often disagree with the politics of their government. What they long for is to be seen for who they really are – warm, proud, and hospitable people who want nothing more than to stay connected with the world.
Once again, BIKE AID has shown what this team stands for: top-level performance on the bike, but also integrity, responsibility, and the deep belief that sport can be more than medals. This journey was a powerful statement – for cycling, for humanity, and for the power of real connection.
Addendum 1
After our departure, we received the heartbreaking news that the young Turkish athlete Mustafa Ayyorkun has passed away. The 21-year-old had crashed on the fifth stage and was taken to the hospital. This fills us with deep sadness. A young person full of hope and dreams has been taken from life. No bike race in the world is worth that.
Addendum 2
About two weeks after our return, the conflict in the Middle East has continued to escalate. There are now direct attacks between Israel and Iran. At the time of the race, we felt it was absolutely right to travel to Iran. Today, that would no longer be possible.
Our perspective is shaped by cycling. We know of many passionate cyclists in Israel and meet young talents in Iran who dream of a future in sports. All of them, like people everywhere, wish for one thing above all: to shape their future in freedom and peace. But the interests of political regimes often take little account of that.
