Mecca of athletics gets ready for Africa cycling showpiece

Kenyan cyclists in a past event. [Jonah Onyango, Standard]

The magnificent terrains of Elgeyo Marakwet, the plateaus of Uasin Gishu and the scenic hills of Nandi are getting ready for the Africa Road Cycling Championships from Wednesday next week.

Kenya is hosting the African cycling event for the first time.

And it is hosting it in the three counties that have produced the world’s most successful and famous athletes and earned their baptismal names which are the Source of Champions (Nandi), the City of Champions (Uasin Gishu) and the Home of Champions (Elgeyo Marakwet).

Yesterday, the host counties were getting ready for the five-day Confédération Africaine de Cyclisme (CAC) Road Cycling extravaganza, which is its 17th edition.

According to host counties, cycling speeds will meet running endurance in Iten, Eldoret and Nandi.

Elgeyo Marakwet Sports Executive Purity Koima yesterday said hosting the event will further raise Iten’s profile as a sporting destination.

The tiny town, which has produced numerous world beaters in athletics, was in December 2020 awarded the World Athletics Plaque for being one of the world’s most sought-after training bases.

“Hosting the championship in Iten could inspire more local interest in cycling, expanding participation in a sport that hasn't yet reached the level of popularity enjoyed by athletics. It can help foster the development of young Kenyan cyclists by providing exposure and competitive platforms,” Koima told Standard Sport in an interview.

The Sports Executive further said: “The championship is set to boost Iten’s visibility on the global sporting map, showcasing it not only as the "Home of Champions" in athletics but as a growing center for multi-sport excellence. This could attract more global sporting events in the future.”

She said a number of road cyclists have been training in Iten for years and hosting the event would further elevate the Mecca of athletics.

“The cycling championship can boost local tourism, drawing cycling enthusiasts, teams, and spectators from across the continent, benefiting the local economy through hospitality, transport, and retail sectors,” Koima added.

Uasin Gishu Governor Jonathan Bii said Eldoret was ready to host the African cycling show while showcasing Eldoret sporting heritage.

Bii said he was confident it will be one of the most exciting events the new City has ever hosted.

“It is going to be a very exciting moment given that the country is hosting it for the first time. I welcome fans to the event,” Bii said on Wednesday.

His Sports Executive Lucy Ng’endo said some speed pumps will be removed on the route.

“The event is happening in the new city and we want our enthusiasts to embrace cycling. It will be a build up for the cycling world championships,” Ng’endo said.

Cyclists who have competed in Tour de France, the world biggest extravaganza as well as Olympians have been assembled to devour the magnificence of the region including the Keiyo escarpments, overlooking Baringo hills.

Among them is African road cycling sensation, Eritrean Biniam Girmay, who is fresh from a 49th place finish (15 points) at the Paris Olympics and in July harvested 210 points at the Tour de France.