Enthusiastic fans thrilled by mixed relay action as cycling action enters Day Two

Fans follow the action in Sunday’s competition at the CAC Road Cycling African Championships in Diani, Kwale County, on Friday. PHOTO – CAC LOC MEDIA

Diani, Friday, November 21, 2025

The CAC Road Cycling African Championships’ Day Two started off on a low note on Friday with organizers forced to remove a huge tree that fell on Thursday along the course on the Diani Link Road before the first race rolled off the ramp outside the local Absa Bank branch.

And when the action got underway, Mauritius struck gold in the mixed relay 28-kilometre race.

By the time the continent’s top cyclists took to the road, many fans had turned up along the streets to witness the great day with the entertaining relay.

However, it was evident that the locals didn’t understand the mechanics of the relay competition. 

Fans follow the action in Sunday’s competition at the CAC Road Cycling African Championships in Diani, Kwale County, on Friday. PHOTO – CAC LOC MEDIA

One fan, Yusuf Ahmed, who traveled from Kwale town to Diani in the morning for the show, questioned how relays in cycling are run: “I only understand that relays can be done by track athletes not in cycling. But I have witnessed new things today.”

Along the Likoni–Lungalunga Road, Kwale–Kombani, Kona ya Beach–Absa stretch, and Lotfa–Mvindeni Roads, lively fans enjoyed the day’s action. 

They were excited at the teams’ introduction witnessed by Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvuria and Kwale Deputy Governor Chirema Kombo, among other dignitaries. 

It was song and dance as all competing teams were called on the podium with Kenyan team receiving the loudest cheers from the fans who had gathered at the Absa Bank park.

Back on the route, Mauritius went ahead to win the 28km mixed relay where the men set off first, laying down the opening split before handing over to the women, winning the title in 35 minutes, 24.11 seconds followed by Rwanda at 35:24.42, with Algeria going for bronze at 36:17.53.

It was another big deal for Ethiopians when Kiros Kahsay Tsige won her second gold in the women’s junior in the 64.5km.

Tsige stopped the clock at 2:02:58, outsprinting Rwanda’s Yvonne Masengesho and compatriot Kssnet Grmay Gebreslasse, who settled for silver and bronze respectively.

But a statement was made by Algeria who swept the podium in the junior men’s 42km road race on Friday evening. 

Bechelaghem Saad won the title in 1:05.18 ahead of compatriots Allal Abdellah who came 01.42 minutes later and Gagueche Ahmed Ileys completing the podium.  

As usual, the day ended with traditional dances from local entertainers.