Over 300 Cyclists Gear Up for 2025 Road Cycling Africa Championships in Diani
Kenya hosts the championships for the second consecutive year, following last year’s edition in Eldoret and Iten, which was dominated by Eritrea and South Africa
Over 300 cyclists from 30 African nations are set to compete at the 19th edition of the Confederation of Africa Cycling (CAC) Road Cycling Africa Championships, which will kick off Thursday in Diani, Kwale County
The four-day event runs until Sunday, with riders vying for the prestigious pink and white jerseys reserved for continental champions
Kenya hosts the championships for the second consecutive year, following last year’s edition in Eldoret and Iten, which was dominated by Eritrea and South Africa
CAC President Dr. Yao Allan Kouame praised Kenya’s hospitality and organizational expertise as key reasons for returning
“Hosting the continental championships two years in a row is unprecedented, but Kenya’s warmth and efficiency made it the right choice. We have the largest contingent ever with 316 cyclists from 30 countries,” he said
Kouame noted that holding the championships after October, unlike the usual calendar, was a testament to Kenya’s unique appeal to the cycling community
“All African countries here feel welcome and enjoy the championships. We expect to see defending champions maintain their positions while new talents emerge,” he added
Christophe Impens, the competition’s director and Cycling Director at Golazo, warned of tough competition ahead. He revealed that Kenya agreed to host after the continental body struggled to secure another host nation
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“The toughest events will be on Saturday and Sunday, with elite and junior cyclists covering the route from Diani to Kwale. With cycling gaining traction in Africa, inspired by the UCI World Championships in Rwanda, we encourage young athletes to take the sport seriously,” Impens said
National Olympic Committee of Kenya (NOC-K) President Shadrack Maluki highlighted Kenya’s Olympic ambitions
“We aim to qualify in at least 12 disciplines for the 2028 Los Angeles Games, including cycling. This partnership with the Kenya Cycling Federation is vital to achieving that goal,” he said
The championships begin Thursday with the junior women’s and men’s individual time trials over 14 kilometers, followed by elite and under-23 riders
With roads closed for safety, cyclists are expected to put on a thrilling display of speed, endurance, and strategy, continuing Kenya’s proud legacy in African cycling
Writer : Mweru Mbugua
