We’re excited to welcome Kiya Rogora, a 22-year-old Ethiopian rider, to the X-Speed United U23 brigade for the 2025 season. Kiya brings a wealth of experience and resilience to the team, having spent much of 2024 racing with the Maltinti Lampadari-Banca Cambiano team in Tuscany, Italy. He’s yet another promising arrow in X-Speed United’s U23 quiver, and we’re eager to see him shine.
Kiya’s 2024 season showed his potential. In late August, he hit his stride, securing two 12th-place finishes, and earlier in the year, he started strong at the Tour of Rwanda. He also competed in the World Championships in Switzerland, placing 85th—a commendable result in a race where half the peloton didn’t finish.
Cycling runs in Kiya’s blood. He began riding at age 10, inspired by his father, Jemal Rogora, a three-time Ethiopian national champion who competed in the 1980 Moscow Olympics. In 2022, Kiya raced with the UCI Satellite Center in Rwanda, taking on events like the Tour de l’Avenir and gaining valuable international exposure.
However, 2023 was a challenging year. Kiya suffered a broken collarbone and faced setbacks with the closure of the EF Education-NIPPO Development Team, forcing him to pivot to the UCI Central Mondial du Cyclisme team. Unfortunately, a broken collarbone sidelined him just before he was set to race in his second Tour de l’Avenir.
Despite a tough start to 2024, battling injury and illness, Kiya bounced back with determination and is now ready to make his mark with X-Speed United in 2025. With his unique blend of talent, grit, and international racing experience, Kiya is poised to be a key player in the season ahead.
Welcome to the team, Kiya—2025 is your time to shine! 🌍
With over two decades of involvement in Spain’s vibrant sports scene, Douglas has become a dedicated sports coach and manager. Originally from Harrisburg, PA, he now calls Madrid home, where his interest in sports business, marketing, and sponsorship activation has thrived. In 2021, he earned an MBA from Universidad Internacional de La Rioja, dedicating his thesis to the creation and management of a professional cycling team.