Conclusion of Confederation of Africa (CAC) Road Cycling Africa Championships in Eldoret, has opened a Pandora’s box, the lack of support from the government and national cycling federation to the riders.
With the Union of Cyclist International (UCI) world championships set for Kigali, Rwanda, the cyclists have called on the government to support their journey.
Despite having the largest contingent at the championships that attracted 22 nations from across Africa, Kenya did not win any medal, with the riders blaming the government for neglecting their plight ahead of the event.
Veteran Charles Njau Kinja, Edwin Kieya Ndungu and Ephentus Gicheru Warutere are crying, on behalf of both elite and upcoming athletes to showcase their talents.
Ndungu said that as riders, they have done their best but more is needed to be done to improve the neglected sport.
“We are happy as Kenyans even if we did not win any medal. We shall come back stronger and better but as a person I know we will win medals if we get support from the government. Despite being in the cycling sport for eight years, no support has ever come to us,” said Ngungu after the final race on Sunday.
He said that cyclists, need support and they shall do very well because they have the potential.
“As team Kenya, we did our best and this comes after finishing second in a South Africa race, which was part of my training for this event,” he said.
With World Cycling championshiships heading for Rwanda next year, Ndungu said that winning doesn’t come easily but good preparation through training.
“With the world coming to Africa, the winners have already started their preparations, which should be a wakeup call for the government to invest in sports. You have seen how sports has transformed youths in this country. I am happy that these games came to Kenya and we are less recognized and it has marketed our tourism, giving riders an opportunity to showcase their skills. It is an eye opener for young generation showing that anybody can compete at the international level,” he said.
Warutere, who trains in I train in Naromoru, said that it was great to have represented the country at the championships.
“I have competed in the mountain bike in 2022 and this is the second time for highly competitive riding. Such competitions can help to nurture young riders especially after watching such big event in the country,” said Warutere.
David Kinja, who is also the Safari Simbas coach said the event was successful and open eyes for the country.
“There are nations that have taken such sport seriously unlike Kenya that we are lagging behind but players are ready to fly the Kenyans flag. We want the government to support them for future. We really need to empower communities that when we are on the road, we should be valued as riders. The course is as normal; like any other roads not good for cycling,” he said.