All systems go ahead of CAC Road Cycling African Championships in Kwale

Kenyans upbeat as 310 riders from 29 countries entered in this year's Diani contest

Diani, Tuesday 18 November, 2025:

Kenya Cycling Federation CEO Kelvin Mwangi is confident Kenyan cyclists can execute a strong display at the CAC Road Cycling African Championships set to kick off on Wednesday and run till Sunday in the County of Kwale.

This will be the second time Kenya is hosting the continental showpiece after having staged last year's event in Eldoret and Iten.

At the 18th edition of the African championships in Eldoret and Iten last year, Eritrea's Henok Mulubrhan claimed the elite men's title with South Africa's Emile van Niekerk and Uganda's Charles Kagimu in second and third place.

In the women's race, South African Ashleigh Moolman-Pasio led Eritrea's Adiam Dawit and Rwanda's Diane Ingabire to the top podium place.

This year’s championship will feature four categories namely the Youth (15-16), Junior (17-18), U-23 and Elite for both men and women.

Mwangi revealed that a total of 310 riders from 29 countries are expected to feature in this year's championship.

Workers prepare the start-finish area ahead of the CAC Road Cycling African Championships in Kwale

"We have a total of 29 countries who have confirmed participation as well as 310 athletes. Everything is all set and we are ready to welcome Africa.

"We expect very tough competition because the top ranked African nation Eritrea will grace the occasion," Mwangi said.

He further highlighted that Kenya was more than ready to flex muscles with the continental heavyweights in the showpiece.

"Kenya will be represented by cyclists in all categories of the championship. As Kenya, we are more than prepared… we don't go into a competition expecting to lose," Mwangi said.

His confidence stems from Kenya's strong display at the women's Africa Cycling Championship in Burundi held last month (October 5-11).

"We are just from a tour in Burundi where our female cyclists were the top ranked in Africa. That will be a motivation booster."

In Burundi, Team Kenya was the overall top-ranked team at the event.

Monica Jelimo secured the silver medal (second overall), and Grace Kaviro earned the bronze medal (third overall).

The hosts’ Nsengiyumva Odette claimed the gold.

Mwangi highlighted that the reason for choosing the Kwale came about after a sit-down with various stakeholders.

"We had a sit down with different stakeholders and Coast ticked all the boxes in terms of what was required to host the event."

He pointed out to the Coastal terrain, which offers both flat and hilly surfaces, suitable for cyclists.

"The area has flat and hilly regions so it gives equal opportunity for sprinters on the flatter terrain and climbers on the hilly terrain.

"Also, the weather is perfect because it’s a variation of hot and cold, perfect for cyclists," he said.

He reckons that the country is slowly growing into a cycling nation.

"Kenya is becoming a cycling nation… athletes are getting a lot of exposure and the federation has also stepped up to train the coaches."

To further strengthen cycling in the country, Mwangi says the federation is conducting UCI (International Cycling Union) approved courses.

"Our coaches have been taken through online UCI courses to get them at par with other global nations.

"Also, after the African Championship trials last week, we made it open for any person intending to become a coach to apply with the federation in order to receive necessary training."

The CAC Road Cycling African Championships will be broadcast by NTV and KBC in Kenya