In Eritrea, Aklilu Arefayne realised an impressive performance at the age of only nineteen. The rider of Circus-ReUz-Technord chased the breakaway during the whole race until he managed to join the leaders in the final kilometers and sprint for the title. As he crossed the finish line of the elite race in fifth place, he added the bronze medal in the U23 category to his gold (U23) and bronze (elite) in the time trial.