The African Cycling Championship is taking center stage in Mombasa, Kenya, with 30 countries joining this prestigious event since Thursday. On the opening day, cyclists raced through individual time trial events, while the road races kicked off yesterday, showcasing fierce competition and talent.
The first major race highlighted mixed teams of men and women competing in time trials. Team Rwanda proudly fielded six riders: Mugisha Moise, Nsengiyumva Shemu, Tuyizere Etienne, Ingabire Diane, Nirere Xaveline, and Ntakirutimana Martha.
Demonstrating strength and determination, the Rwandan team clinched second place, earning a bronze medal with a combined time of 35 minutes and 24 seconds.
Mauritius secured first place in the thrilling contest, narrowly surpassing Rwanda by an incredible three hundredths of a second (0.03 seconds). Algeria came third, finishing 53 seconds behind.
Another exciting event followed with the road race for Under 19 girls. Ethiopia’s Kahsay Tsige claimed the top spot with a time of 2 hours and 2 seconds, tying with Rwanda's own Yvonne Masengesho, who proudly secured the silver medal. Grmay Kssanet of Ethiopia rounded out the podium in third.
However, in the boys' Under 17 category, Rwanda faced challenges. Shema Emmanuel placed sixth, lagging 1 minute and 44 seconds behind the winner. Gisubizo Issa finished eighth, sharing the same time as Shema.
Triumph came for Rwanda in the girls' Under 17 category. Akimana Donatha delivered a stellar performance, earning gold with a time of 44 minutes and 41 seconds in the 28-kilometer race. Close competitors El Sayed Joudy of Egypt and Zimbabwe's Beamish Olivia finished just 2 seconds and 5 seconds behind, respectively.
The championship will continue this Saturday with exciting fun races and intense road race competitions for senior women in Mombasa.
Akimana Donatha, bringing pride to Rwanda
