Daniel Teklehaimanot (MTN-Qhubeka) confirmed the good condition that allowed him to win the mountains jersey at the Criterium du Dauphiné when he reclaimed the Eritrean time trial title. He was four seconds faster than Meron Teshome while defending champion Natnael Berhane (MTN-Qhubeka) had to settle for third with a time loss of 37 seconds.

Teklehaimanot was the first big Eritrean rider and so it was no surprise that he dominated the TT discipline in the early years, winning the title in both 2011 and 2012. He was absent in the 2013 championships but last year he was beaten by now-teammate Berhane.

This year he was determined to take back his title as he continues to build form for the Tour de France. This time there was no one better than him after he had stopped the clock in 43.40 on the course in Asmara.

Teklehaimanot and Berhane will join forces with their teammate Merhawi Kudus when they line up for the road race as the big favourites.