Kenyan cyclist Mercy Aragae is edging closer to becoming a champion after improving from 13th position in last year’s competition to winning a bronze medal at the 2026 African Road Cycling Championships in Kisumu.

Aragae attributed her improved performance to proper training, which helped her qualify for the continental competition and compete against some of Africa’s top cyclists.

“I am so happy, very happy,” she said, beaming with joy after her achievement.

The cyclist recalled that she had been apprehensive before the race, which proved more challenging than she had anticipated.

“I was afraid before. I crashed, and when I got up, I was so pumped to finish the race,” she said with a laugh.

Despite the setback, Aragae picked herself up and continued racing, gradually closing the gap on her competitors before reaching the finishing line.

She said she had not expected to win a medal, having initially doubted whether she could overcome the challenges of the race.

“I was not expecting to win this. I felt like it was so difficult that I could not make it, but I won,” she said with a smile.

Her latest achievement builds on her performance at the 2026 Association of National Olympic Committees of Africa (ANOCA) Zone V Youth Games held in Kenya in August, where she won bronze in the women’s 10-kilometre individual time trial and silver in the 60-kilometre road race.

Aragae also noted a difference between the bicycles used by Kenyan cyclists and those of competitors from other African countries.

“Theirs move faster and are of better quality,” she observed.

Despite the challenges, she expressed determination to improve further and eventually become a champion.

Aragae encouraged fellow cyclists, particularly aspiring young riders, to remain determined and focused and prepare well for every race, emphasizing that success in the sport requires commitment and consistent training.

“Sport is good, but training is also key,” she said. Kisumu County Executive Committee Member for Trade, Tourism, Cooperatives, Industry and Marketing Farida Salim said she was pleased with Kenyan’s medal win, noting that this victory was particularly sweet for the host city.

“Today, I am very happy. Very happy, because victory is always very sweet, and I am happy it is happening here in Kisumu,” Salim said.

She thanked President William Ruto for supporting the sports industry and called for better equipment and training for cyclists to enhance their competitiveness.

Salim noted that competing countries had modern bicycles and extensive training, adding that Kenyan cyclists also had the morale and determination to succeed but needed adequate support.

“Morale is there, but we need, as she said, hard work and support,” she said.

She said the championship was an opportunity for Kisumu to share in the celebrations while showcasing its capacity to host major sporting events.

A representative of the Ministry of Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports said the government had supported and sponsored the championships, pledging continued investment in the sport.

The CECM called on Kenyans to work together with the Government to ensure cyclists access modern equipment and compete successfully at continental and international levels.

“It is not just the Government. It is us as Kenyans. We can all join our hands with Government and well-wishers and support this team so that they can get the best equipment,” the Salim said.

She added that Kenya had the potential, capacity and determination to excel in cycling, urging collective support to help athletes win more medals at African and global competitions.

The championships have attracted a record 32 African countries and 354 riders, compared with 30 countries and 320 riders in the previous edition. The 2024 championships in Kwale County attracted 21 countries.

The participating nations include cycling powerhouses such as Eritrea, Morocco, Egypt and South Africa. Riders will compete for continental titles and Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) points, which contribute to qualification for the Olympic Games.

A community cycling event is also planned for Saturday to encourage public participation and raise awareness of cycling as a sporting discipline.

The competitions which began on Wednesday October 21, will conclude on Sunday, October 25, with the elite men’s road race covering 175 kilometres.

By Mabel Keya- Shikuku and Dorothy Pamella