Mauritius, Rwanda and South Africa emerged among the leading nations at the 2026 Confederation of African Cycling (CAC) African Road Cycling Championships in Kisumu, winning titles in the individual time, trials and mixed relay events.

South Africa won Thursday’s 40.8-kilometre mixed relay in 56 minutes, 4.380 seconds, beating defending champions Mauritius, who finished in 56:17.278. Rwanda took third place in 56:30.130.

The South African team comprised Gustav Basson, Joshua Dike, Ryno Schutte, Lucy Young, Lisa Bone and Magda Nieuwoudt.

Kenya finished fifth in the mixed relay as the championships continued to showcase competition among Africa’s leading cycling nations.

On Wednesday, Mauritius’ Alexandre Mayer won the men’s elite individual time trial, completing the 30.6-kilometre course in 40:32.493.

Eritrea’s Merhawi Kudus finished second in 40:42.056, while Uganda’s Charles Kagimu claimed bronze in 41:06.099.

Rwanda’s Diane Ingabire won the women’s elite individual time trial over 20.4 kilometers in 31:02.742, narrowly beating Mauritius’ Aurelie Halbwachs, who clocked 31:04.288. South Africa’s Lucy Young finished third in 31:26.124.

Kenya’s Dinna Kemonya and Kendra Tabu placed sixth and seventh, respectively, in the women’s elite category.

In the men’s under-23 individual time trial, Eritrea’s Yafiet Mulugeta won in 41:53.759, ahead of South Africa’s Joshua Dike, who recorded 42:02.000, and compatriot Ryno Schutte, who finished in 42:40.258.

Rwanda’s Jazila Mwamikazi claimed the women’s under-23 title in 31:17.581, followed by South Africa’s Marzaan Mellett in 31:45.360 and Ethiopia’s Tsige Kiros in 32:03.991.

Kenya’s Megan Ivuzu and Hannah Kibet finished 13th and 14th, respectively, in the category.

Mauritius’ Tristan Hardy won the men’s junior individual time trial in 26:49.027, finishing ahead of South Africa’s Henro Van Der Walt in 26:54.558 and Algeria’s Selmane Mansouri in 27:07.327.

Kenya’s Frankline Kibet placed 21st in the race. Rwanda also claimed the women’s junior title through Yvonne Masengesho, who completed the 10.2-kilometre course in 15:37.193. Egypt’s Joudy El Sayed finished second in 15:40.719, while Ethiopia’s Rahel Gimbato took third in 16:08.730.

Kenya’s Sharon Cheruiyot finished 10th, while Linet Akoth was placed 15th.

The championships are scheduled to continue in Kisumu until October 25, with cyclists competing across various categories.

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

 by Mabel Keya-Shikuku, Dorothy Pamella (Intern) and Chrispine Oduor Onyango (trainee)