In this episode, we sat down with Matthias Schnapka, the owner of Team BIKE AID, one of the most prolific supporters of young African professional cyclists in history.

BIKE AID is a German professional cycling team founded in 2005 as a non-profit association, and based on a unique cycling community of over 1,200 supporters. BIKE AID stands for enjoying cycling, nature and social commitment.

Matthias has been a long-term supporter of bringing young African talent to the international cycling world, since his visit to the Tour of Togo in 2013.

On the podcast, he talks through his journey in creating and building Team BIKE AID; some of the incredible talents he has seen come through like Dawit Yemane, Milkias Maekele and Meron Amanuel; the team's unique #rideforafrica jersey (a part of the sales of which fund development grants for young African riders - in partnership with Africa Rising Cycling); and his thoughts on the latest Eritrean talents he has on the squad for 2026: Yoel Habteab, Even Yemane and Nahom Efriem.

We hope you enjoy this conversation with a truly influential and yet very humble man in African cycling development.