BUFF® and Team Amani Host Cross-Cultural Barbecue Night in Girona
An Intimate Celebration of Catalan and East African Cultures Through Food, Cycling, and Community ahead of the Traka
Girona, Spain – April 25, 2025 — On the evening of April 24th, BUFF® and Team Amani came together at the Palau Cycling House in Bordils for an intimate, culture-rich gathering that brought together two worlds: the rhythms of East Africa and the soul of Catalonia. In a quiet garden setting tucked in the Girona countryside, the two teams celebrated a shared vision — that food, like cycling, transcends borders.
A private barbecue night — blending the smoky flavors of Catalan cuisine with the spices of East African dishes — became the backdrop for stories, laughter, and connection among riders, friends, and supporters of both communities.
The event marked a milestone in a partnership that has grown steadily over five years. BUFF®, one of the earliest backers of Team Amani, has remained a loyal champion of the team’s mission to reimagine the future of African cycling and open new doors for talent from the region.
“Moments like this help build real connections between brands and athletes. Every time Team Amani comes to Catalonia, it’s a great chance to catch up, get to know each other better, and plan what’s next — and honestly, there’s no better way to do that than by sharing something as special as food and culture.” — Gil Vilar, Brand Partnerships Manager at BUFF®
Among those present were standout riders such as Tsgabu Grmay, Ethiopian gravel racer and former WorldTour pro, now tackling the Life Time Grand Prix series, and Xaverine Nirere, a rising force from Rwanda, currently ranked 7th in the Gravel Earth Series and racing The Traka 200 this weekend with eyes set on a top-10 finish. They were joined by six teammates representing Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda — the beating heart of Team Amani.
The evening also welcomed “Friends of Team Amani,” including BUFF®-Megamo rider Hans Becking, EF Education–EasyPost rider Lachlan Morton and other professional cyclists who’ve played a supporting role in the team’s journey.
“The BUFF®/Amani, Catalan/Kenyan BBQ was a glimpse of what cycling can be at its finest - a vehicle for exploring new cultures, meeting new people, and having fun while doing it!” - Mikel Delagrange, Founder & Director of the Amani Project.
For BUFF®, this activation was about more than visibility — it was about meaning. It was about honoring roots and giving space for authentic cultural moments to unfold naturally.
As the sun set over Bordils, stories were exchanged over BBQ with botifarra (Catalan sausage), roasted potatoes, and aioli and an introduction to the Catalan tradition of porró. The spices of Kenya were served in coastal calamari, chicken tikka, prawn curry and chapati. Riders, brands, and friends shared more than a meal — they shared a vision. One where the cycling world is not only faster, but fairer. Not only global, but more connected than ever.
