A record 354 cyclists from 32 African countries will compete in the 2026 Africa Road Cycling Championships, which began in Kisumu on Wednesday, as the continent’s top riders battle for honours in a five-day contest in the lakeside city’s heat.
The championships, which run until Sunday, have attracted more participants than last year’s edition in Kwale, where 320 cyclists from 30 countries competed, and the event in Eldoret, which drew 21 nations.
Professional Road Cycling sports director Jan Nys said the rise in participation reflected the growing significance of the continental competition among African cycling nations.
“This is a record. Last year in Kwale, we had 30 African countries, while in Eldoret we had 21. Now we have 32 countries and 354 riders, up from 320 in last year,” Nys said.
The competition started on Wednesday with individual time trials, and will be followed by the mixed team relay on Thursday and junior road races on Friday.
The women’s elite and under-23 road race is scheduled for Saturday, before the men’s elite and under-23 contest brings the championships to a close on Sunday.
Organisers face the challenge of ensuring riders cope with Kisumu’s hot and humid conditions, while keeping the races safe on roads shared with other road users.
Medical director Jessica Shiraku said the organisers had assembled a team of about 20 medical personnel, supported by three ambulances, to respond to emergencies throughout the competition.
The medical team will provide water to riders along the routes and carry ice and equipment for cold-water immersion to help athletes recover if they become overheated.
“We have ensured there is enough rehydration for the athletes. We have also organised cold baths in case someone feels excessively hot or exhausted,” she said.
The ambulances will follow the cyclists, allowing medical personnel to respond quickly to riders showing signs of fatigue or heat-related illness.
Shiraku said the team had assessed the routes and identified a hill shortly before Kiboswa as one of the sections requiring particular attention.
“We have assessed the routes. There is a hill just before Kiboswa, which is an area we are monitoring closely. We will have an ambulance ready in case a rider becomes fatigued and cannot continue,” she said.
Riders have been advised to drink enough water and avoid pushing themselves beyond their limits if they begin experiencing difficulties.
“If a rider feels they cannot continue, they should not push themselves. We do not want casualties,” Shiraku said.
The organisers have also identified four hospitals to handle emergencies, with Aga Khan Hospital expected to receive most international athletes requiring specialised care.
Other hospitals are; Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital, Kisumu County Referral Hospital and Lumumba Hospital.
The medical director says the preparations follow concerns over injuries and heat-related incidents during previous editions.
Shiraku said organisers had strengthened safety measures after incidents involving people crossing race routes and participants fainting in the heat during the championships in Diani.
This year, organisers have made arrangements to clear the routes ahead of the cyclists and improve the availability of cooling equipment.
Anti-doping measures have also been put in place, with designated testing rooms and personnel preparing to conduct urine tests on selected athletes. Teams and chaperones have been briefed on the testing procedures.
Meanwhile, the use of public roads means the championships will affect movement within Kisumu, with temporary closures expected along the race routes.
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