MTN-Qhubeka rider Natnael Berhane has admitted that he is "dreaming" of becoming the first Eritrean to compete in the Tour de France next year.

The 23-year-old is in contention to be one of the nine riders selected for the elite race should the South African-based team be chosen as a wildcard entry.

"I have been dreaming about that," Berhane told Cyclingnews. "I hope that I will be able to be part of the team and that I can be in good shape. This year I wasn't able to but next year it is a big goal for me to ride the Tour de France.

"It is quite hard to think about finishing well as a GC rider but I want to improve and I want to be able to do something like get in the breakaway or maybe win a stage. I hope next year that my dream will come true."

Berhane is a two-time African cycling champion.