Fun ride brings cycling enthusiasts closer to African Championships action

Cyclists enjoy the fun ride on the sidelines of the CAC Road Cycling African Championships in Diani on Friday. PHOTO – CAC LOC MEDIA

Diani, Saturday, November 22, 2025

From the traditional black mamba to the current electric and racing bicycles, young and old, elites and amateur, local cyclists found an opportunity to pedal around the competition course on the third day of CAC Road Cycling Africa Championships in Diani, Kwale County.

Competing in the fun and family day on the sidelines of the continental competition, a wave of anticipation rolled through Diani at dawn on Saturday’s somehow chilly morning, but with the sky at least covered by clouds, the fans thronged the coastal town’s streets eager to experience a day meant for them. 

Along Diani’s closed roads, it was a moment for the onlookers to cheer on as locals saluted them.

For the young children who peddled, the memories will ever live in the minds for the rest of their lives, and, perhaps, they could become future champions and rescue Kenya’s weak cycling fortunes. 

The home team is yet to bag any medal at these championships that have been dominated mainly by riders from Eritrea, Rwanda, South Africa, Mauritius and Algeria.

The dignitaries were led by Kwale Deputy Governor Josephat Chirema Kombo and Sports CEC Francisca Kilonzo who managed to peddle 14 kilometres around one loop, with Kombo using his electric bicycle.

“This was a good experience for all of us here. The young and the old, locals and foreigners all had one agenda of experiencing the circuit, which has delivered,” said Kombo. 

One stand-out bicycle was ridden Jeremy Rashid a well decorated machine that attracted the eyes of onlookers.

It was modified and well painted with curious fans willing to take a photo with beside it. 

Rashid said apart from being a cyclist, he likes fashion hence coming up with the idea of ensuring he attracts masses. 

“It cost me a lot to come up with this design. It has really helped me to attract the masses. No one is interested in the normal bikes, but mine is classic in its on way,” said Rashid. 

The event started at exactly 9:00am, with the riders hitting the road as Diani celebrated the historic, four-day competition.

Some came out bedecked in national colours on a day to remember with some even cycling in jeans and leather shoes not just for competition but for fun. 

“The reason I wore this was is that I did not know the rules. I going to see a friend on a Saturday morning with my bike then I saw what was happening then I took the opportunity to enjoy the course.

“I was to use the tuktuk but because the road was closed, I resoled to use the bike and here I am on the course, doing something I didn’t expect,” said one of the riders.