Cycling Federation of Kenya secretary general Charles Mose is optimistic that Team Kenya will deliver the goods at the World Cycling Championships set for September 18-25 in Wollongong, Australia.
Speaking in Eldoret during the funeral service of the late cyclist Thomas ‘Suleiman’ Kangangi, Mose revealed that Nancy Akinyi and Salim Kipkemboi will fly the Kenyan flag at the championships.
“As a federation, we really mourn the death of Kangangi. However, we are keen to ensure his legacy lives on and have so far picked two cyclists for the world championships due in Australia’s city of Wollongong,” said Mose.
He added that Kenya is among six African countries who will send representatives Down Under, hailing the government for facilitating the duo.
“Under the new administration, we expect to open a new chapter in cycling. We also have a partner who is supporting most of our cycling events,” he said, adding that the sport is growing in popularity by the day.
“Some people may think that we are not part of the giant events. We are. Our biggest challenge is that we don’t have gravel events even though our road racers still participate in such events elsewhere," said Mose.
Apart from the World Championships, the federation is also preparing teams for the women's Tour of Burundi-cum-Africa Cycling Championships set for October 18-29. The men’s championships will follow in Mauritius.
“In addition, we have started preparing for next year's All Africa Games in Ghana. We have also received support from First Lady Rachael Ruto. The First Lady has embraced cycling and with her support and that from the federation, we can see Kenya going to the next level,” added Mose.
