Sports CS Salim Mvurya (C) with Kwale Governor Fatuma Achani (left of Mvurya) and CAC President Yao Allah Kouame (right of Mvurya)/ TEDDY MULEIFollowing dominant displays at the Africa Women’s Cycling Championship in Burundi, Monica Jelimo and Grace Kaviro hope to continue their medal-winning form at the CAC Road Cycling African Championships, which begin today in Diani, Kwale County.
Kenya claimed the overall women’s title in Burundi (October 5–11), with Jelimo taking silver and Kaviro bronze.
The Diani event kicks off with Individual Time Trials (ITT) across Junior, Elite and Mixed categories, before Friday’s mixed relay and junior road races.
Saturday sees the Elite 107.6km and U-23 Women’s race, with Sunday concluding with the Elite and U-23 Men’s 163.8km road race.
Jelimo, buoyed by her Burundi silver, is optimistic.
“I am hoping for a medal and I am very hopeful it happens,” she said. She acknowledges stiff competition, particularly from Eritrea and South Africa, but believes Kenya’s strategy can keep them in contention. “We have studied their game and we will try and stick with them during the race then see who wins.”
She also called for more international racing opportunities to sharpen Kenya’s edge.
“We need to get opportunities to do international races, go to Europe and compete against some top athletes in high-level races. I think that will give us much-needed exposure.”
Kaviro is equally determined.
“My target is to finish the race. I don’t want to be left with a big margin by the other racers and finish well,” she said. Beyond personal ambitions, she hopes to help Kenya retain the overall women’s title.
“After Burundi we have been training as a team. Our target is to use that same teamwork that saw us triumph in Burundi to also stand top over the weekend.”
Team captain Nancy Debe praised the squad’s preparations but warned of Diani’s unique challenges.
“Kwale is a different ball game, the altitude, terrain and humidity. I’d say it’s a completely new race.”
She added that experience from last year’s Eldoret edition would guide the team.
“For most of the team, it was their first time, especially the ladies. So they saw what they need to do and what they need to work on.”
Jelimo also urged local support to energise the riders. “We are calling out to the locals to come out in large numbers to come and cheer us on.”
With over 30 nationalities competing, Kenya’s riders aim to translate their Burundi momentum into further continental success.
