The Kenya women’s cycling team has put up a brilliant display of pure talent to clinch silver at the just concluded Women’s Cycling Tour in Burundi.
Kenya earned its stand on the podium after finishing second behind Burkina Faso with Benin coming third to complete the top three.
It comprised Nancy Akinyi, a National Olympic Committee of Kenya (NOC-K) scholarship holder, who led the squad with support from teammates Monica Jelimo, Kendra Masiga, Grace Wairimu, and Julia Miring’u. The team overshadowed competitors from seven countries to secure the prestigious title.
The tour in Burundi attracted 33 cyclists from seven African countries including the host nation, Burkina Faso, Sierra Leone, Uganda, Benin, Kenya, and a combined team from Uganda and Senegal.
Under the expert guidance of their Director Sportif, Cynthia Marita, the team demonstrated remarkable showdown to claim the second position.
In his statement, sports Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen lauded the Kenya women’s cycling team for their outstanding performance, terming it a golden milestone for sports in Kenya.
“Hats off to our Kenya National Women’s Cycling Team for this remarkable victory, this triumph solidifies Kenya’s status as a powerhouse in sports.”
Murkomen highlighted the significance of cycling beyond the confines of the competitive arena.
“Cycling has immense potential to promote wellness, combat climate change, and position Kenya for greater success in global competitions like the Olympics”, he said.
The win at the Burundi tour demonstrates Kenya’s determination and the blossoming talent of its athletes in a sport previously dominated by other regions. The team’s victory is expected to boost the popularity of cycling across the country and inspire the next generation of Kenyan cyclists.
The victory comes after Kenya successfully hosted the 2024 Confederation of Africa Road Cycling Championships (CAC) in Uasin Gishu earlier this year. The high-profile event reaffirmed Kenya’s commitment to developing a vibrant cycling culture and promoted the nation’s organizational capability.
With cycling gaining momentum as a competitive sport in Kenya, it underscores the importance of talent development, training programs, and investment in sports infrastructure to build and sustain these milestones.
The government has committed to supporting athletes and initiatives that promote cycling as an eco-friendly, healthy mode of transport.
Kenya now aims to elevate its profile in the sport and inspire future cycling champions. The team’s triumph strengthens Kenya’s bid to make a significant impact in global competitions including the Olympics.
This victory is a testament to what can be achieved with teamwork, dedication, and support from the government and the community. The celebration of the Kenya women’s cycling team’s display of brilliance will continue to serve as a beacon of hope for a thriving cycling culture in Kenya and beyond.
