In this episode of the Virtual Velo Podcast, we sit down with CEO Kimberly Coats and Jeremy Ford of Team Africa Rising to explore one of the most ambitious development projects in modern African cycling: a plan to bring over 1,000 young cyclists across Africa into virtual racing through a new network of Virtual Performance Centers.
From Rwanda’s historic Road World Championships to the ingenuity sparked during the pandemic, we trace how virtual training has begun to level the playing field for riders who have long faced barriers to accessing the global racing scene. Kimberly and Jeremy walk us through the origins of Team Africa Rising, the challenges they confront on the ground, and how partnerships with platforms like Zwift and Wahoo are helping to unlock a new era of talent identification, safety, and opportunity on the continent.
Joined by award-winning cycling tech journalist and South African native Aaron Borrill, host Chris Schwenker explores what this initiative means for the next generation of African cyclists — and what the future might look like if virtual racing continues to reshape the sport on the African continent.
A conversation about access, ambition, and the power of virtual cycling to make an authentic and real grassroots impact.
Donate here to support Team Africa Rising’s work on the ground in Africa!
Don’t miss out on the unique opportunity to delve even deeper into the intriguing topics discussed in this episode.
- The inside story of Rwanda’s lost cycling generation [Escape Collective, Sept. 2023]
- The impossible tale of Adrien Niyonshuti, from a wooden bike to the World Championships [Escape Collective, Sept. 2025]
- Zwift, a bike, and a dream: The virtual rise of a Ugandan cycling club [Escape Collective, June 2025]
Statements made by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views or opinions of the podcast, its hosts, or its partners. Listeners are encouraged to form their own opinions.
