Kagimu powers to Time Trial win as Uganda dominates African Cycling Championships

Uganda’s Charles Kagimu won the Time Trial at the African Road Cycling Championships as the nation marked its 62nd Independence Day.

The defending champion retained his title, covering the 33.6 km course around Eldoret City in 41 minutes and 11 seconds, with an impressive average speed of nearly 49 km/h.

“I think today I had some extra wings because it's Uganda’s Independence Day… that powered me up,” said Kagimu.

Having lived his entire adult life in Kaptagat, Kenya, Kagimu revealed his pressure to retain his crown this year.

“Everyone from the East African community was like, yeah, all the pressure is on you – you’re not just riding for Uganda, but for the entire region.”

Uganda's success didn’t end there. Paul Lomoria and Lorot Lawrence added to the medal tally, finishing first and second in the Men’s U23 category, with just seven-tenths of a second separating them.

This impressive performance highlighted a strong opening day for the East African team.

Team Kenya also delivered notable results, with Joseph Kamau of Safari Simbaz finishing 8th in the Men’s Elite and Masiba Tabu securing 6th place in the Women’s Elite race.

In the Women’s Elite category, South Africa’s Lucy Young, a former triathlete, dominated the competition. She completed the 22.4 km race 32 seconds ahead of second-place Ashleigh Pasio, with Namibia’s Melissa Heinz rounding out the top three.

“From the start, I felt great. I was strong, in control, and loved the support out there,” said Young after her victory.

The focus now shifts to the 44 km Mixed Relay Time Trial, set for Thursday. In this event, teams of three men and three women race against the clock.

Kenya will lead the charge at 13:30, with team captain Nancy Akinyi, alongside Monica Kiplagat, Kendra Tabu, Joseph Kamau, David Kinjah, and Ephantus Warutere. Teams from Ethiopia, Uganda, Morocco, Eritrea, and Rwanda will also be competing.