Team Eritrea raked five out of six available medals on day three of the African Cycling Championships in Eldoret City.
The Horn African country has dominated the 2024 Cycling Championships showdown, so much that the fans learnt the anthem.
On Friday, October 11, 2024, Teklemarian Keven came back to the tallest podium to take gold, leading Efriem Nahom and Eyob Siem finishing in a medals rake in junior men’s 100.8 km distance.
Keven and Nahom had also pocketted gold and bronze medals respectively, in the time trial junior race on Wednesday.
Kenya’s Kipchirchir Ian had the fanbase advantage and held onto the leading Eritrean pack until 90km at fourth place, but lacked enough adrenaline at the last lap. The Sosiani-Kingbird-Seminary heartbreak climb must have taken a toll on him and coming back to the City, the homeboy finished ninth in the roll.
Eritrea also reigned supreme in the women’s 66.2km, Tsegay Nardos pedalling back home in 2:02.08 hours, Uganda’s Miria Nantume denting what could have been a clean sweep by winning silver, Eritrea’s Bereket Eldama taking a bronze medal. Kenya’s Chepkemboi Sherry finished 13th in the pile.
Uasin Gishu Governor Dr Jonathan Bii asked the Confederation of African Cycling to consider making Eldoret City the venue for the championships again. In fact, the County boss said Eldoret will be happy to host the championship every year.
CAC Vice President, Dr Mohamed Wagih Azam, lauded residents of Uasin Gishu for turning up in numbers to cheer and support the cyclists.
