• The confirmed countries include Uganda, Tanzania, Burundi, Rwanda, Algeria, South Sudan, Benin, Ghana, South Africa, Egypt, Eritrea, Morocco, Namibia and Seychelles.
• Prize money will be awarded according to the guidelines set by the UCI (International Cycling Union).
Image: CHARLENE MALWA
Eritrean sensation Biniam Girmay will be the star attraction at the African Road Championships on October 9-13.
The championship will traverse Nandi, Uasin Gishu and Elgeyo Marakwet counties in the Rift Valley.
Girmay, 23, made history at the 2024 Tour de France by claiming the green jersey, becoming the first African rider to secure any jersey in the prestigious race.
The green jersey rewards the rider who has won (claimed the most points) in a Tour de France stage.
Kenya will field a team of 42 cyclists (21 men and 21 women).
Kenya Cycling Federation CEO Kelvin Mwangi revealed that 14 nations have confirmed participation.
“This is a monumental event for Kenya. Hosting the Championship highlights the growth of cycling in the country and provides a platform to showcase our heritage and immense talent,” Mwangi stated.
The countries include Uganda, Tanzania, Burundi, Rwanda, Algeria, South Sudan, Benin, Ghana, South Africa, Egypt, Eritrea, Morocco, Namibia and Seychelles.
Kenya is synonymous with cycling with Britain's four-time Tour de France champion Chris Froome having begun his journey in the country.
"Chris Froome began his journey on the dusty roads of Kikuyu and went on to dominate international cycling. It’s a story that inspires the new generation," Mwangi added.
The event will start with time trials for junior and Elite U23 categories in Nandi.
Junior women will cover one lap of 11.2km while junior men will race two laps totaling 22.5km.
Elite U23 category women riders will tackle a two-lap 22.5km race with the men competing in three laps — 33.8km.
Day Two will have a mixed relay contest — two men and two women per team— over four laps (45km).
There will be a mass event where participants can enter any bicycle.
Junior cyclists will be in action on October 11 with the women covering 66.1km across six laps while the men will race nine laps (99.9km).
The elite women will compete over 104.1km on October 12 with an elite men's race over 157km concluding the event a day later.
Prize money will be awarded according to the guidelines set by the UCI (International Cycling Union).
This will be tabulated upon the closure of the entry list.
Cabinet Secretary for Sports Kipchumba Murkomen said: "Kenya is known for producing world-class athletes. Hosting this championship is a testament to our growing footprint in global sports."
After Kenya presented just one cyclist at the Paris Paralympics, Murkomen said this offers an important point regarding investment in the sport.
"This highlights the need to invest in nurturing cycling talent for future international competitions," he noted.
"We are proud to welcome cyclists from across Africa to compete on our soil in the challenging yet beautiful terrain of Kapsabet, Eldoret and Iten — known as the source of champions, city of champions and home of champions respectively," the CS noted.
"With our rich sporting heritage, I am confident we can deliver a champion on home soil."
He wants fans to support the home cyclists by showing up in droves across the four days.