Uganda and Eritrea Stun as Eldoret Wakes up to Continental Showpiece

Uganda and Eritrea drew first blood, raking several medals on day one of the 2024 Africa Cycling Championships that is underway in Eldoret City.

And just a year into professional competition, South Africa’s Lucy Young proved she is a force to reckon with, coming home first to win the Women’s Elite.

Young, proved that she is not too “young” and jumped into the big ladies’ front to win the continental title in 31 minutes 32.48 seconds. 

Pasio Asleigh (South Africa) 32:04.8 was second, Hinza Melissa (Namibia) 33:38.33 third as Kenya’s Masinga Kendra and Mwangi Nancy finished sixth and seventh in 36:01.44 and 36:53.35.

And as Uganda celebrated its independence day on Wednesday, Charles Kagimu gave a perfect gift to his country, winning the elite men’s race in 41:11.05, Downes Brandon (South Africa) 41:19.41, El Abraoui Adil (Morocco) 42:50.97). 

Eritrea shrugged off the underdog to rake both men’s junior and women’s Under 23 categories.

Eritrean Fiseha Suzana pedalled home first in 32:37.4, her country sister Dawit Adiam second in 33:04.36 as Ethiopia’s Aregawi Mieraf (Ethiopia) 34:04.98 ensured that the podium went to the Horn of Africa, for women’s under 23. 

Wairumu Grace (36.20.84) and Jeruro Valentine (40:26.84) both from Kenya finished 6th and 10th respectively.

Teklmarian Keven gave Eritrea the men’s junior title in 32:04.8, Erasmus Alexander of South Africa second in 28.54.3. Eritrea collected bronze through Efriem Nahom (29:14.7).

Team Kenya’s Mbolo Billy (32:28.71)
Kinyanjui Stanley (33:04.15) placed 14th and 17th respectively.

Ugandans Paul Lomuria (42:40.53) and Lorot (42:41.26) won gold and silver as South Africa’s Dike Joshua sealed the third spot in 43:00.52, in the men’s under 23 junior category. Kenyans Kamau Peterson (46:51.30) and Kangogo Boaz (47:27.95) were 9th and 10th.

Uasin Gishu Governor Dr. Jonathan Bii led the watch party. The County boss reiterated that his government is focused on growing multi-sports disciplines in the region and most vitally harnessing sports tourism.

Principal Secretary for Sports, Eng Peter Tum said Kenya is gradually gaining fame in other sports, besides athletics. He cited young footballer Aldrine Kibet who has earned international contracts at a young age.

Eng. Tum also said that the government is working to complete the stadia across the country. He said Kenya will have had the stadia earmarked to host the African Cup of Nations tournament, completed.

County Executives, Chief Officers and officials from the cycling federations and organizations watched the action and attended the awarding ceremony.

Post Author

Copperfield Lagat

See author's posts