Kenya Cycling Federation chief executive Kelvin Mwangi is confident Kenyan riders will deliver a strong performance at the CAC Road Cycling African Championships.
The event runs from Wednesday to Sunday in Kwale County. This is the second time Kenya is hosting the competition. The country staged the last edition in Eldoret.
At last year’s championships, Eritrea’s Henok Mulubrhan won the elite men’s race. South Africa’s Emile van Niekerk and Uganda’s Charles Kagimu finished second and third. In the women’s race, South Africa’s Ashleigh Moolman-Pasio took gold. Eritrea’s Adiam Dawit and Rwanda’s Diane Ingabire completed the podium.
This year’s event features Youth, Junior, Under-23 and Elite categories for both men and women. Mwangi said 320 athletes from 30 countries are expected. He believes the field will be very competitive, especially with Eritrea taking part. “Everything is set and we are ready to welcome Africa,” he said.
Mwangi is confident Kenya will hold its own.
“Kenya will be represented in all categories. We are more than prepared. We do not go into a competition expecting to lose,” he said.
His optimism follows Kenya’s strong showing at the Women’s Africa Cycling Championship in Burundi last month. The Kenyan team finished top overall. Monica Jelimo won silver and Grace Kaviro took bronze. Burundi’s Nsengiyumva Odette claimed gold. Mwangi said the result has boosted the team’s confidence.
He explained that Kwale was chosen to host the event after talks with several stakeholders.
The county met all the requirements. The terrain includes both flat and hilly areas, which suit different types of riders. The weather is also ideal, with a mix of warm and cool conditions.
Mwangi said cycling is growing steadily in Kenya. He noted that athletes are gaining more exposure and coaches are receiving better training. The federation is also running UCI-approved coaching courses.
“Our coaches have taken online UCI courses to help them match global standards. Anyone interested in becoming a coach can apply for training through the federation,” he said.
by TEDDY MULEI
