2015: Teklehaimanot in polka dots…

Initially called MTN-Qhubeka before being re-christened Dimension Data last year, the first African team to take part in the Tour de France made a sensational entrance into cycling's elite, even going on to become the leading stage winner on the 2016 edition with the help of Mark Cavendish. However, it was perhaps the promise of a major movement in the future that was most symbolical, with the conquest, albeit short, of the polka dot jersey by Daniel Teklehaimanot. Whilst the Eritrean rider was not able to compete with the best climbers in the mountains, his nicely pulled off accomplishment thanks to a breakaway on the stage to Le Havre in 2015 allowed him to wear the jersey of his dreams for four days. Behind Teklehaimanot, there is perhaps a generation of Ethiopian, Eritrean or Rwandan riders preparing to emerge in a similar manner to the Colombians in the 1980's. His supporters, who flocked in numbers to the start of the Rennes to Mur de Bretagne stage the following day, did not seem to hold any doubt about this glorious destiny. The mission of Dimension Data continues…

Dimension Data riders to watch out for on Le Tour 2017: Mark Cavendish, Stephen Cummings (GB)