More than 340 riders from 30 African countries are expected in Kisumu as Kenya prepares to host the African Road Cycling Championships for the third consecutive year from 21 to 25 October.
The five-day championships will feature a packed programme of racing, with continental titles up for grabs in the individual time trials, mixed relay and road races across the junior, under-23 and elite categories.
Kenya will host the Confederation of African Cycling (CAC) event for the third year running, following the 2024 championships in Eldoret and the 2025 edition in Kwale County.
Cabinet Secretary for Youth Affairs, Creative Economy and Sports Salim Mvurya has welcomed preparations in Kisumu, highlighting Kenya’s experience in staging major international sporting events.
The lakeside city of Kisumu, on the shores of Lake Victoria, will provide the setting for five days of racing. Cycling experts say this year’s championships could be wide open, with the course described as neither particularly hilly nor completely flat, potentially giving riders with different strengths a chance to compete for the titles.
Organisers are also hoping the championships will attract visitors and boost business for hotels, restaurants and other tourism operators.
The racing gets under way on 21 October with individual time trials, where riders race against the clock over set distances. The mixed relay and youth road races follow on 22 October, before the junior road races take centre stage the next day.
The women’s elite and under-23 road race is scheduled for 24 October, with the men’s elite and under-23 race bringing the championships to a close on 25 October. The men’s event is listed at 175.2km.
CAC president Dr Yao Jean-Marie Allah-Kouamé has identified youth development, greater participation by women and the expansion of sub-regional competitions as key priorities for African cycling.
The championships offer riders a chance to test their form against the continent’s strongest opposition, with national teams competing for medals and continental bragging rights.
At the 2025 championships in Kwale County, Eritrea maintained its dominance in the men’s elite road race, with an Eritrean rider taking the title ahead of compatriot Awet Aman.
As the peloton assembles in Kisumu, attention will turn to the riders capable of making the decisive move, surviving the demands of the road race and crossing the line with an African title.
