Natan Tesfalem handed an early morning gold to the Eritrean after winning the CAC Road Cycling African Championships today in the junior men’s 107.6km title in Kwale County.
He crossed the finish line in 2:44:19 followed by Uganda’s only cyclist in the contingent Paul Miro (2:44:44) and Namibia’s Roger Suren (2:45:57).
His golden charge, however, was briefly rattled during the six-lap loop around Diani after a fall in the fifth lap.
“This medal will open many doors for me, and I hope I can get a team in Europe.”
Miro on his debut at the African Championships said that the race was good following a fantastic preparations.
“My focus now shifts to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games. My target is to prepare for the 2028 Olympic Games,” he said.
Namibia’s Suren, who completed the podium, was equally thrilled after missing out on last year’s championships.
He admitted the coastal heat was unforgiving but manageable.
“Kenya is really hot, but everyone has to cope with it, and I think I managed well,” he said.