About us
Ethio Cycling Holidays is a cycling tour company offering cycling holidays to international cycling tourists. We are led by Ethiopia’s UCI World Tour rider Tsgabu Grmay (Mitchelton Scott) working in partnership with former British international athlete Richard Nerurkar.
In setting up the company, Tsgabu’s dream was to bring more cyclists to Ethiopia and make it possible for more young Ethiopian riders to enjoy success on the international stage. 30% of the profits of the company go to supporting young local riders.
Although our focus is on road cycling, we also offer mountain bike tours and, as for our road cycling tours, can offer good-quality rental bikes for these tours.
Our team comprises current and former cyclists who have ridden all the routes you will be riding and who have expertise in delivering tours to international clients.
Richard Nerurkar
Sales Manager
Richard is based in Brighton in the UK, having lived in Ethiopia for ten years while establishing Ethiopia’s premier event-management company Great Ethiopian Run which stages Africa’s biggest road race. Previously, he was an international athlete on the British Athletics team, competing over 10,000m and at the marathon at the 1992 and 1996 Olympics. He still regularly travels to Ethiopia and speaks fluent Amharic.
Samuel Abraha
Operations Manager
Sammy is a close friend and advisor to Tsgabu Grmay. Born and raised in Mekelle, he has extensive knowledge of his home region of Tigray. Before becoming a director of Ethio Cycling Holidays, he ran a travel business in Mekelle where he developed a good network of relationships with hotels, guides and other contractors. Known for his efficiency and good humour, he is also fluent in English, Amharic and his native Tigrinya.
Kalayu Alemayoh
Motorbike Outrider & Cycling Guide
Kalayu was a national-level cyclist for six years alongside Tsgabu Grmay in the Trans Ethiopia team and competed for Ethiopia in the African Cycling Championships in 2012. Now as a director of Ethio Cycling Holidays, Kali also manages a popular café in Mekelle. He is still regularly out riding his bike for fitness and also finds time to do some part-time work as a massage therapist.
Binyam Fitsum
Driver & Bike Mechanic
Binyam was part of the successful Trans cycling team that swept national club titles. He has international cycling experience from spells at the UCI centre in South Africa and as a member of the Dutch Marco Polo team. He also works as a massage therapist and in bike repair and maintenance.
Mulugeta Tsehaye
Driver & Bike Mechanic
Mulugeta competed alongside Tsgabu Grmay in the Trans Ethiopia team and won two national road race titles in 2011 and 2012. His skills also include repairing and maintaining bikes and vehicles.
Alemayehu Sitotaw
Cycling Guide
Alemayehu competed for ten years on the Ethiopian cycling team, including in the team time trial at the 1980 Olympics. Now living in Norway, he comes regularly to Ethiopia and has an extensive network of friends and contacts in the cycling community. Alex is a keen runner and has completed 27 marathons.
