Algeria storms to historic podium sweep on Day Two, Rwanda gets new star

Algeria's ‎Saad Bechelaghem celebrates after winning the Youth Men’s 42-kilometre road race at the 19th CAC Road Cycling African Championships in Diani, Kwale County. PHOTO - CAC LOC MEDIA

Diani, Friday, November 21, 2025

Algerian riders lit up the evening session of Day Two at the CAC Road Cycling African Championships in Diani, Kwale County, powering to a commanding podium sweep in the men’s youth 42-kilometre road race on Friday.

‎Saad Bechelaghem was the class of the field, surging to victory in 1:05:18, followed closely by compatriot Abdellah Allal in 1:07:00, with Ilyes Ahmed Gagueche sealing the clean sweep.

‎It marked the first time any nation has completed a full podium lockout since the continental showpiece got underway on Thursday.

‎Meanwhile, Rwanda celebrated its first gold medal of the championships after Donatha Akimana stormed to victory in the women’s 28km road race, clocking 44:51 in a composed and confident ride.

Rwanda’s Donatha Akimana storms to victory in the women’s 28km road race race at the 19th CAC Road Cycling African Championships in Diani, Kwale County. PHOTO - CAC LOC MEDIA

‎She held off Egypt’s Joudy El Sayed (47:05) and Zimbabwe’s Olivia Beamish (50:15).

‎A beaming Akimana said clinching her nation’s first gold filled her with pride.

‎“I am so happy. The race went really well for me. When I left Rwanda, my target was to come back with gold,” she said.

‎She believes her triumph will inspire joy back home.

‎“When I get home and show the country my gold medal, everyone will be proud. That will be a good feeling,” she added.

‎Making her debut at a major continental event, the 16-year-old revealed that she felt no pressure and only grew stronger as the kilometres ticked by.

‎“I was not under pressure, I started getting excited as the race progressed.”

‎Akimana admitted that the race distance played to her advantage.

Rwanda’s Donatha Akimana celebrates with the winner’s pink jersey after winning the women’s 28km road race race at the 19th CAC Road Cycling African Championships in Diani, Kwale County. PHOTO - CAC LOC MEDIA

‎“The kilometres were not many, it was shorter than what I do in training. I normally do 40km.”

‎Still, she acknowledged Egypt as her toughest challengers on the day.

‎“I felt Egypt gave me the most competition. Their red suits were a bit intimidating for me,” she noted.

‎Her preparations began the moment the national team was unveiled.

‎“As soon as the national team coach released the names, I started training immediately.”

‎With her first continental medal now secured, Akimana is already aiming higher.

‎“Next year it’s all about doing more races to sharpen myself,” she said, setting her sights on an even brighter future on the road.