South African Ashleigh Pasio Moolman and Eritrean Adiam Dawit Mengs were the winners of the elite and under 23 women titles held today in the two counties of Uasin Gishu and Elgeyo Marakwet counties for the Confederation of Africa Cycling (CAC) Africa Road Cycling Championships.
In the elite race, Moolman won the 104km distance in 3:07.50 ahead of Eritrean Adiam Dawit Mengs, the silver medalist at the under 23 time trial event held on the opening day of the championships before Rwandese international Diane Ingabire completed the podium.
In the under 23 category, Mengs was victorious despite finishing second in the elite event. The Eritrean, who has guided her country to the top clocked 3:07.21 for the title, to make her earn three medals on the penultimate round of the championships.
Mengs edged Rwandese Jazila Mwamikazi to the second position as Suzana Fiseha, the under 23 time trial winner.
Monica Jelimo Kiplagat was the top Kenyan in the elite event after finishing 14th, Kendra Masiga Tabu coming in 18th and Nancy Akinyi mwangi crossing the finish line in position 24 as the last one with over ten bikers falling on the way.
In the under 23, Grace Wairimu Kamindo was top Kenya at position 19th.
The Saturday event was graced by Union of Cycling International (UCI) President David Lappartient, who said that the African Championships has moved to the new level and the enthusiasm from the crowd witnessed during the event has improved the event to another level.
“Looking at the level of the organization, it is evident that Kenya is able to host a global event and I want to congratulate for,” said Lappartient.