Asmara — Eritrean Natnael Berhane has been rated as African Cyclist of the Year for 2012 on the basis of last Tuesday's panel chaired by five-time Tour de France champion Bernard Hinault.

The 21-year-old Natnael, who made his professional debut with French outfit Europcar in 2013, finished ahead of South Africa's Reinhardt Janse Van Rensburg (MTN-Qhubeka), with Moroccan cyclist Adil Jelloul third in the voting.

The trophy created this year by the Gabonese (Tropicale Amassa Bongo race) organizers rewards the African cyclist who made the greatest impact during the season especially in events on the African continent, according to reports.

Moreover, the charismatic cyclist has left his mark on the heart of many people for his consistency as regards his three titles at the African championships in November, his triumph at the Tour of Algeria and his victory at the Tour de Chablais, a French amateur classic.