Waiting finally over as Africa’s best riders hit Diani streets, launching cycling carnival

Confederation of African Cycling President Yao Allah Kouame rewards Ethiopian Kiros Kahsay Tsige, Eritrea's Tesfu Adyam and Rwanda's Yvonne Masengesho for taking the top three positions in the junior women’s time trial at the CAC Road Cycling African Championships in Diani on Thursday. PHOTO – CAC LOC MEDIA

Diani, Thursday, November 20, 2025

A wave of anticipation rolled through Diani at dawn on Thursday as fans thronged the coastal town’s streets eager to usher the CAC Road Cycling African Championships as the show finally hit the road.

The roads in Diani were closed early in the day on to give the riders and organisers ample time to prepare the continental showpiece.

Fans from both Kenya and other countries flew their flags, complementing their athletes and singing national anthems.

At the end of the day, the South African anthem was played thrice at the medal ceremony with the day’s main MC, Chiko Lawi, running the presentation ceremonies.

Kiros Kahsay Tsige earned Ethiopia the first gold medal and caused the nation’s national anthem to be sung first in the junior women time trial, then Hardy Tristan was on the podium, winning the junior men’s title for Mauritius.

Algerian Houili Nesrine won the women under-23 Individual Time Trial before South African Joshua Dike took the men’s title.

The elite women’s race was won by South African Lucy Young, just as she did in Eldoret last year, with South Africa also taking the elite men’s title through Brandon Downes.

Despite Team Kenya’s medal-less performance, the spirited home fans kept on cheering along the course, boosting the home riders’ morale.

The first event in the morning - the Individual Time Trial for junior women and men - did not have as many fans along course as in the evening during the elite men and women Time Trial and the under-23 races.

The electrifying fans cheered on from the ramp all the way to the finish line. 

Traditional dancers filled the air with song, weaving a tapestry of celebration as families of the riders joined in, adding an extra layer of warmth to the heroes’ welcome.

Among the fans who attended the Day One races was amateur cyclist Lara Joy, who was at the finish line from morning to evening, capturing the moments as cyclists cross the finish line. 

"I come from Diani and having such an event, it motivates us as junior cyclists who want to take up the sport as a profession. I want to learn much from what I am seeing the continent do. One of these days I may land a position in the federation and I will plan such a big thing. Apart from competing, I am also learning,” she said as she captured all thrilling moments.

Davis Kamau’s bicycle broke down, further frustrating the Kenyans’ challenge but despite all the challenges, he was cheered on at the finish line having run part of the way.

Kamau said that he was a footballer back in the day and so running for a few kilometres was not a big thing, however, though he lost time.

“It was a bad day for me. I was well prepared to come home with a medal but my bicycle’s tyre burst at kilometre four then I had to run all the way to the finish line,” said Kamau who trains in Iten, Elgeyo Marakwet County. 

In the evening, it was all South African with the “Rainbow Nation” winning both the elite and under-23 men’s time trials.

To close the day, Kwale dancers took to the podium to entertain guests.