053. Mikel Delagrange - Masaka Cycling Club

This week I wanted to repost a conversation between Ross Burrage of the Hidden Athlete podcast and Mikel Delagrange, Human Rights lawyer and founder of the Amani Project based in the Netherlands.

Mikel works with the International Criminal Court helping victims in East Africa exercise their rights and seek reparations for the crimes and harm they have endured. Mikel is also a passionate cyclist and has found cycling to be a positive way to engage with the people in these countries, helping him balance the tragic events that have occurred, with the beauty of cycling. As a Human Rights Lawyer he is also passionate about race and gender equality in cycling.

Ross Burrage works for the Cotton On Foundation focusing on finance and sustainability in South Uganda. They help to build schools and support around education and infrastructure. Ross saw the cycling talent in the region whose athletes have no way of showcasing their talent to the world. This was the catalyst for the Masaka Cycling Club.

In this Episode they talk to the progress being made through their collaboration with the Amani Project and sister clubs. They talk about how they plan to navigate the barriers that still remain. They discuss how a relationship with Wahoo and the e-racing platform has enabled them to bring this talent to potential recruiters.

All the topics accumulate up to an exciting future for our friends in East Africa and we would love the Global Cycling community to get involved. If you’re interested in helping the Masaka Cycling Club and making some dreams come true for these athletes, please visit their website and discover ways you can help. No donation is too small.