After showing amazing consistency throughout his season, Tesfom Okubamariam was voted African cyclist of the year - a prize created by the organizers of the Tropicale Amissa Bongo in 2012 which allows a jury chaired by Bernard Hinault and including Chris Froome to reward the best rider on the continent. Aged 26, the Eritrean beat two former winners of the competition, South African Louis Meintjes and compatriot Daniel Teklehaimanot. 

Tesfom Okubamariam finished in the top 10 of almost all the UCI races he took part in this season, except for the Tour of Annaba, the Tour of Constantine and the Tour of Tunisia where he sill figured in the top 15. He is the African champion and was also fourth in the Tropicale Amissa Bongo and third in the Tour of Rwanda. He took advantage of this consistency to win the Africa Tour. 

"I am honored and proud to be part of this prestigious list," he said. "I hope that this trophy will allow me to find a new team in 2017. I want to prove that I deserve this distinction and if possible at the highest level." 

He will receive the triophy in February at the Tropicale Amissa Bongo.