'I never gave up' - Merhawi Kudus on bouncing back to the pro ranks after a year in Asia

Eritrean talks to Global Peloton about signing for Burgos BH after a successful season with Malaysian team Terengganu

Just over a year ago, Merhawi Kudus was faced with the prospect of retirement. After ten years as a professional, his then team EF Education First-EasyPost told him that his contract was not to be renewed at the very last moment. After a year away, he’ll be back at the professional level in 2025.

Kudus had one of the best seasons of his career in 2023 and felt as fit as ever. Fifth at the Tour de l’Ain alongside strong showings in support of his leaders in pink were evidence that the Eritrean was far from finished with his career. However, with nowhere to go, retirement seemed his only option for a time.

"I was really hoping to renew my contract," Kudus told Global Peloton over the phone during his first training camp with his 2025 employers, Burgos BH.

Kudus heard the news days before travelling home to Eritrea for his wedding. His life with his new wife was just beginning, but his professional career looked potentially over.

"I tried my best to contact all the teams...I was nearly to retire, you know, in the last minute," he recalled.