Eritrea run riot on final day of CAC Road Cycling championships

Merhawi Kudus clinched the men’s elite title, clocking 3:53:06,

by TEDDY MULEI

Sports24 November 2025 - 07:00

In Summary

Earlier in the day, Natan Tesfalem stormed to victory in the junior race with a time of 2:44:19, fending off Uganda’s Paul Miro (2:44:44) and Namibia’s Roger Suren (2:45:57) in a heated sprint under the scorching Diani sun.
Namibia’s Suren, who completed the podium, was equally satisfied after missing last year’s event.

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Eritrean riders dominated the final day of the CAC Road Cycling African Championships in Kwale County, sweeping the men’s elite, Under-23 (163.8km), and junior (107.6km) road races in commanding fashion.

Merhawi Kudus clinched the men’s elite title, clocking 3:53:06, while Awet Aman secured the U-23 crown just one second later in 3:53:07.

Kudus admitted that the team entered the race under pressure to uphold Eritrea’s proud continental record.

"We had pressure as Eritrean cyclists to deliver. We have won this African Championships in previous years, so we definitely wanted to win this title," he said.

He credited their preparations for the strong showing.

"We had a three-week training camp and that helped us a lot."

Earlier in the day, Natan Tesfalem stormed to victory in the junior race with a time of 2:44:19, fending off Uganda’s Paul Miro (2:44:44) and

Namibia’s Roger Suren (2:45:57) in a heated sprint under the scorching Diani sun.

Tesfalem said he lined up with only one mission.

"I am happy to have won today. This was my plan all along."

His path to gold, however, included a setback during the six-lap circuit.

"I fell in the fifth lap and the leading pack left me by a margin, but I was able to recover," he explained.

He believes the title could be career-changing.

"This medal will open many doors for me, and I hope I can get a team in Europe."

Uganda’s Miro, the country’s lone representative and a debutant at the African Championships, celebrated his silver medal.

"The race was good for me. It has been fantastic. This was my first time at the African Championships," he said. "My target is to prepare for the 2028 Olympic Games."

Namibia’s Suren, who completed the podium, was equally satisfied after missing last year’s event.

"Last year I did not have the chance to represent," he said. "Kenya is really hot, but everyone has to cope with it, and I think I managed well."

"The pace was really high. I didn’t know about the first two—I thought I was ahead, but then I found I was third. This wasn’t my hardest race, but it really tested me towards the finish."

"I started training for the African Championships four weeks ago. I did around 300km a week."

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