Kudus storms to first continental title in 10 years as Eritrea dominate final day of CAC championship

Eritrea’s Merhawi Kudus celebrates after winning the elite men's road race at the CAC Road Cycling African Championships in Kwale County on Sunday

Diani, Sunday, November 23, 2025

Eritrea’s Merhawi Kudus declared Sunday’s elite men’s 163.8-kilometre road race victory at the CAC Road Cycling African Championships in Kwale County as the biggest achievement of his illustrious career, a moment he says will remain etched at the very top of his cycling journey.

Kudus wrapped up the continental showpiece in emphatic fashion, storming to the elite men’s crown under the searing coastal sun and stopping the clock at 3:53:06. 

‎He crossed the line comfortably ahead of compatriot Awet Aman, who clocked 3:53:07, sealing a 1–2 Eritrean. 

Eritrea’s Merhawi Kudus and Awet Aman cross the finish line in the elite men's and Under-23 road race at the CAC Road Cycling African Championships in Kwale County on Sunday

‎Algeria’s Abdellah Mimouni completed the podium in 3:54:12, forced to settle for bronze after a relentless back-and-forth chase.

‎For Kudus, the magnitude of the moment was unmistakable. 

‎The seasoned pro, now a decade deep into his career, spoke with heartfelt pride about finally capturing a title he has long coveted.

‎“I have been a professional for more than 10 years, so having this victory in my CV is more than I can imagine,” Kudus said.

‎“This is one of my best days since I started cycling.”

‎With Eritrea boasting a rich history in the event, pressure naturally followed the team onto the Kwale course, pressure Kudus admits they carried heavily.

‎“We had pressure as Eritrean cyclists to deliver. We have won this African Championships in previous years, so we definitely wanted to win this title,” he said.

‎Eritrea entered the championship seeking to extend its dominance after Henok Mulubrhan’s hat-trick od victories in 2022, 2023 and 2024. 

‎Kudus’ triumph ensured the tradition continued in style.

‎He attributed part of their success to the intense preparation undertaken ahead of the continental showdown.

‎“We had a three-week training camp and that helped us a lot,” he said. 

‎“We had intense training every day, so that really helped us coming to this championship.”

‎Even with their reconnaissance on the unforgiving Kwale course, Kudus admitted the brutal afternoon heat posed an extra layer of difficulty.

‎“We rode to the finish line a couple of days before the men’s elite final, but today’s heat was just too much,” he revealed.

‎He reserved glowing praise for his support crew, who played a crucial role in sustaining Eritrea’s charge to gold.

‎“Our staff really supported us, handing us water and ice on the route to be as fresh as possible.”

‎Meanwhile, Aman doubled his own glory, clinching the U-23 title after completing the 163.8km race in 3:53:07, delivering Eritrea’s fourth gold medal of the championships. 

‎Mimouni (3:54:12) settled for second, with Rwanda’s Samuel Niyonkuru clocking 3:54:25 to take bronze.

Algeria’s Abdellah Mimouni crosses the finish line in third place in the elite men's road race at the CAC Road Cycling African Championships in Kwale County on Sunday

Earlier in the morning, Eritrea’s dominance had already begun to unfold as Natan Tesfalem powered to victory in the junior men’s 107.6km road race.

Tesfalem sealed the win in 2:44:19, fending off Uganda’s Paul Miro (2:44:44) and Namibia’s Roger Suren (2:45:57).