A week prior, the 24-year-old Negasi Haylu Abreha finished second in the Ethiopian National Time Trial Race, fueling his determination to claim victory in the road race. This win marks his second Ethiopian national road race title, having first won it in 2019.

“I’m very happy and proud to once again be the Ethiopian National Champion. I was disappointed to miss out on the TT National Champion title last week and really wanted to redeem myself today. This is my firs victory as a professional cyclist and the first in Q36.5 Pro Cycling Team colours and it’s a big honour to finally climb to that top step of the podium. I stayed two weeks in an hotel in Addis Abada with my brother to prepare for this race and it’s great to have all my hard work pay off. It was an amazing day and and important step in my career!” said Negasi Haylu Abreha.

The 126.5km race, set on an urban circuit in Addis Ababa, featured over 2000 meters of climbing. Negasi secured his win with a time of 3 hours, 28 minutes, and 4 seconds. The race concluded in a thrilling sprint finish, with Negasi edging out Mulu Kinfe Hailemichael (Caja Rural) in the final 300 meters.

“The race was really challenging due to the altitude and the hot temperatures, reaching up to 30 degrees Celsius. I knew I would be a marked rider, so I raced offensively, attacking each lap on the climb. Each time, I managed to drop riders, and for the final seven laps, it was just Mulu (Kinfe Hailemichael) and me at the front. The chasers were over 5 minutes behind, but I kept a high tempo both on the climb and the descent. On the flat sections, Mulu took some turns, as I assured him I wouldn’t attack on the climb. I felt strong all day and was confident in my sprint. I waited for the final 300 meters, which were flat, to launch my sprint and take the victory. Winning by a couple of bike lengths, I couldn’t be happier. I’m very proud and cannot wait to wear the Ethiopian Champion jersey for the next year!” concluded Negasi.

This victory marks the third National Champion Jersey for the Q36.5 Pro Cycling Team, following Nick Zukowsky’s Canadian National Road Champion title in 2023 and David de la Cruz’s Spanish National Time Trial Champion title earlier this month.