Mauritius’ Alexandre Mayer stamped his authority on the road, powering to victory in the men’s elite 30.6km individual time trial (ITT) at the CAC African Road Cycling Championships.
Mayer delivered a commanding performance against the clock, stopping the timer at 40:32.49 to claim the title. Eritrea’s Merhawi Kudus finished second in 40:42.05, while Uganda’s national champion, Charles Kagimu, completed the podium in 41:06.09.
Despite securing third place, Kagimu said the challenging course made the race particularly demanding.
“The course was a challenge. There was a lot of dust and small rocks on the road, and lots of corners, too,” he said.
The Ugandan also revealed that he had gone into Wednesday’s race without adequate rest after a difficult night at his hotel.
“I did not get enough sleep last night. The hotel we were staying at lost power, so there was no air conditioning and also lots of mosquitoes. I slept at around 4 a.m.,” he said.
However, Kagimu remained philosophical about the setback, noting that such challenges were part of the sport.
“These are things that can happen anywhere, so you just have to be prepared and keep pushing yourself,” he added.
In the elite women’s 20.4km ITT, Rwanda’s Diane Ingabire claimed victory after clocking 31:02.74.
Mauritius’ Aurelie Halbwachs pushed her all the way, finishing second in 31:04.28, just 1.54 seconds behind the winner. South Africa’s Lucy Young took third place in 31:26.12.
Kenya’s Dinna Kemonya and Kendra Tabu finished sixth and seventh, respectively, in 33:33.82 and 33:39.74 as the home riders battled to keep pace with the leading contenders.
Tunisia’s Aziz Dellai Mohamed claimed the men’s Under-23 30.6km ITT title, recording the fastest time of 42:48.03.
Uganda’s Paul Miro finished second in 44:20.38, while Seychelles’ Jahdel Gabriel secured third place in 46:10.10. Kenya’s Davis Kamau and Billy Mbolo, however, failed to finish the race.
Rwanda continued its strong showing in the women’s Under-23 20.4km ITT, with Jazila Mwamikazi taking the title in 31:17.58.
South Africa’s Marzaan Mellett finished runner-up in 31:45.36, while Ethiopia’s Tsige Kiros completed the podium in 32:03.99.
Kenya’s Megan Ivuzu and Hannah Kibet finished 13th and 14th, respectively, in 36:43.46 and 37:40.56.
In the men’s junior 20.4km ITT, Mauritius’ Tristan Hardy claimed the title in 26:49.02, narrowly beating South Africa’s Henro Van Der Walt, who clocked 26:54.55.
Algeria’s Selmane finished third in 27:07.32, while Kenya’s Frankline Kibet placed 21st in 32:52.78.
Rwanda’s Yvonne Masengesho emerged victorious in the women’s junior 10.2km ITT, clocking 15:37.19.
Egypt’s Joudy El Sayed finished a close second in 15:40.71, while Ethiopia’s Madison Bateson secured third place in 16:18.77.
Kenya’s Sharon Cheruiyot finished 10th in 18:04.87, while compatriot Linet Akoth placed 15th in 23:21.96.
