South Africa champ praises organisers for excellent show, happy with Kenyan hospitality

Local fans cheer on a South African rider during the opening day’s competition at the CAC Road Cycling African Championships in Diani on Thursday. PHOTO – CAC LOC MEDIA

Diani, November 20, 2025

South Africa’s Brandon Dawne threw down the gauntlet by taking the elite men’s Individual Time Trial title, set his sights on the weekend’s road race while heaping praise on the CAC Road Cycling African Championships organisers for putting on a great show.

Dawnes powered to victory in the elite men’s ITT title in 16 minutes, 29.22 seconds, edging out compatriot Resenburg Van Janse (16:38.78) and Mauritius’ Henri Mayer (16:49.36) in a tightly-fought contest.

‎Pushed to the edge by the high humidity levels and scorching heat, the South African rider celebrated a flat course and paid tribute to the Diani locals who lined up the route, cheering every rider.

‎“The humidity was a big factor for me today. The course was flat and there was a little bit of wind, but I managed,” he said. “On a flat course the results are really tight, but I’m happy to have come out with the win and wear the jersey for a year.”

‎His focus now shifts to Sunday’s 163.8-kilometre road race.

‎“The road race will be tough because there are going to be a lot of nations competing, so we expect tough competition.”

‎Dawnes applauded organisers for staging a vibrant, well-run championship.

‎“The organisers did a really good job putting together such a championship with all these countries.”

Some 30 nations are represented with over 300 riders competing in the four-day championships.

‎Kenya’s Evan Kimani was the top home finisher in the elite men’s ITT, clocking 17:46.18 for 10th place, while teammate Peterson Kamau returned 18:41.45 for 15th.

‎Kimani hailed the electric home support.

‎“The fans really came out in large numbers to give us support, that has really motivated us.”

‎In the U-23 ITT race, South Africa’s Joshua Dike (16:45.90) claimed gold ahead of Eritrea’s Mewael Girmay (17:01.01) and Morocco’s Driss El Alouani (17:11.54).

‎In the elite women’s ITT, South Africa’s Lucy Young defended the title she won last year in Eldoret, stopping the clock at 18:34.44.

‎Mauritius’ Aurelie Halbwachs followed in 19:13.25, with Rwanda’s Xaveline Nirere sealing third in 19:31.32.

‎Young was thrilled to return to Kenya and keep the crown on her shoulders.

‎“It feels incredible to have won. I worked really hard for it because I was the defending champion and I wanted to retain it.”

‎She acknowledged the oppressive heat that tested her resilience.

‎“I come from a high-altitude area in Johannesburg, so I’m not used to this heat. But I was really proud of my body out there today.”

‎Her respect for her rivals was clear.

‎“These girls are really strong.”

‎Young added that her build-up to the continental showdown was sharp and well-timed.

‎“I got on my TT bike a month ago. My training was perfect, I had no injuries, and I just love the journey getting here.”

She also expressed her fondness for racing in Kenya.

‎“I love Kenya. Every time I come here, I’m pleased with the scenery and the people.”

‎Kenya’s top finisher in the elite women’s race was Kendra Tabu, who clocked 21:23.27. Nancy Debe placed 14th in 22:44.98.

‎Despite making her debut on a TT bike, Tabu took the experience in stride.

‎“The race was tough, but I pushed myself and did my best,” she said.

‎“This is actually my first time on the TT bike, it has its ups and downs, but it was okay.”

‎In the under-23 women’s ITT, Algeria’s Nesrine Houili stormed to gold in 19:32.97, followed by Rwanda’s Jazilla Mwamikazi in 19:48.46, with Eritrea’s Araya Chneslasie securing bronze in 20:26.36.