By GPC Sports Reporter
Mauritius’ Alexandre Mayer and Rwanda’s Diane Ingabire claimed the elite titles as the 2026 African Road Cycling Championships opened in Kisumu on Wednesday.
Mayer won the men’s 30.6-kilometre individual time trial in 40 minutes, 32.493 seconds, edging Eritrea’s Merhawi Kudus, who finished second in 40:42.056.
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Uganda’s Charles Kagimu completed the podium in 41:06.099 despite a difficult night that disrupted his preparations for the race.
Kagimu said the course, characterised by loose gravel, dust and sharp corners, tested the riders’ technical skills and endurance.
“The course was a challenge, there was a lot of dust and small rocks on the road and lots of corners too,” he said.
The Ugandan national champion also revealed that a power outage at his hotel left him without air conditioning, while mosquitoes made it difficult to sleep.
“I did not get enough sleep last night,” Kagimu said, adding that he only managed to fall asleep at around 4am.
However, he said riders had to remain prepared for unexpected challenges and push themselves regardless of the circumstances.
“These are things that can happen anywhere so you just have to be prepared and keep pushing yourself,” he said.
Ingabire edges Mauritius rival
Ingabire secured the women’s elite 20.4km title in a closely contested race, clocking 31:02.742 to beat Mauritius’ Aurelie Halbwachs by just 1.546 seconds.
Halbwachs settled for silver in 31:04.288, while South Africa’s Lucy Young took bronze in 31:26.124.
Kenya’s Dinna Kemonya and Kendra Tabu finished sixth and seventh respectively as the home riders competed against some of the continent’s leading cyclists.
The championships, which run from October 21 to 25, have brought together riders from across Africa for several days of competition in Kisumu.
Rwanda, Eritrea and Mauritius shine
Rwanda and Mauritius also collected titles in the junior and under-23 categories, highlighting the depth of emerging talent in African cycling.
Eritrea’s Yafiet Mulugeta won the men’s under-23 30.6km time trial in 41:53.759. South Africa’s Joshua Dike finished second in 42:02.000, followed by compatriot Ryno Schutte in 42:40.258.
Rwanda’s Jazila Mwamikazi won the women’s under-23 20.4km race in 31:17.581, ahead of South Africa’s Marzaan Mellett, who clocked 31:45.360. Ethiopia’s Tsige Kiros finished third in 32:03.991.
Kenya’s Megan Ivuzu and Hannah Kibet placed 13th and 14th respectively in the category.
Mauritius’ Tristan Hardy won the men’s junior 20.4km time trial in 26:49.027, beating South Africa’s Henro Van Der Walt, who finished in 26:54.558. Algeria’s Selmane Mansouri claimed third place in 27:07.327.
Kenya’s Frankline Kibet finished 21st in 32:52.783.
In the women’s junior 10.2km race, Rwanda’s Yvonne Masengesho won in 15:37.193, finishing ahead of Egypt’s Joudy El Sayed, who recorded 15:40.719. Ethiopia’s Rahel Gimbato took third place in 16:08.730.
Kenya endured a mixed start to the championships, with under-23 riders Davis Kamau and Billy Mbolo recording Did Not Finish results.
The championships continue in Kisumu through October 25, with the home team seeking stronger performances in the remaining events.
