Uganda Triumphs at Cycling Championship

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Kagimu completed the challenging 33.6 km course in an impressive 41 minutes and 11 seconds, achieving an average speed of nearly 49 km/h.

African Road Cycling Champion Charles Kagimu. Photo by Charles Kagimu.

By Robert Mutasi

Uganda’s Charles Kagimu delivered a stellar performance at the African Road Cycling Championship in Eldoret, Kenya, successfully defending his Time Trial title.

Kagimu’s victory was particularly significant as it coincided with Uganda’s Independence Day, a moment he described as giving him extra motivation.

Kagimu completed the challenging 33.6 km course in an impressive 41 minutes and 11 seconds, achieving an average speed of nearly 49 km/h.

Reflecting on his win, Kagimu, who has spent much of his adult life training in Kaptagat, Kenya, credited the occasion for his strong showing.

“I think today I had some extra wings because it’s Uganda’s Independence Day — that powered me up,” he said.

He also acknowledged the weight of regional expectations, adding, “Everyone was like, yeah, all the pressure is on you — you’re not just riding for Uganda, but for the entire region.”

Uganda’s success did not stop with Kagimu. In the Men’s U23 category, Paul Lomoria and Lorot Lawrence secured first and second place, finishing just seven-tenths of a second apart, adding to Uganda’s medal haul.

Kenya’s Joseph Kamau of the Safari Simbaz team placed eighth in the Men’s Elite race, while Masiba Tabu finished sixth in the Women’s Elite category.

Meanwhile, South Africa’s Lucy Young dominated the Women’s Elite race, finishing the 22.4 km course 32 seconds ahead of runner-up Ashleigh Pasio.

Namibia’s Melissa Heinz claimed the third spot. “From the beginning, I felt great, was strong, in control, and loved the support out there,” Young said after her commanding victory.

Looking ahead, the focus shifts to the 44 km Mixed Relay Time Trial on Thursday.

Kenya’s team, led by captain Nancy Akinyi, will feature Monica Kiplagat, Kendra Tabu, Joseph Kamau, David Kinjah, and Ephantus Warutere.

They will face tough competition from teams representing Ethiopia, Uganda, Morocco, Eritrea, and Rwanda, with the race scheduled to begin at 13:30.

This year’s championship continues to showcase the depth of talent across the continent, with riders from East and Southern Africa battling for top honors in a highly competitive field.

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