Major highways will be closed for five days next week to facilitate the Africa Road Cycling Championships, a high-profile sporting event set to bring together some of the continent’s finest cyclists.
The Nairobi-Nakuru and Malaba roads will be among the busiest routes affected, causing significant disruptions for motorists. Eldoret, the newest city, is expected to bear the brunt of the closures as traffic is rerouted around key areas in the region.
Motorists have been advised to use alternative routes, particularly those heading to or from Eldoret. The Southern Bypass from Cheplaskei and Maili Tisa has been designated as the main diversion for travellers along the Nairobi-Nakuru highway.
Those within Eldoret are expected to navigate alternative roads to minimise the inconvenience. The closures are expected to last until Sunday, with the heaviest impact being felt in Eldoret and its surroundings.
An aerial view of Eldoret City.
Photo
Jonathan Bii
Cycling fans and participants will be treated to an exciting five days of competitive racing, starting with time trials on Wednesday and concluding with the elite men’s road race on Sunday. The organisers have urged residents to prepare for the disruptions, stressing that the event is expected to attract international attention and boost the local economy.
On Wednesday, the roads will be closed from 8:30am to 4:00pm, allowing cyclists to compete in a series of time trials. Thursday will see an even earlier closure at 7:00am, as a mass cycling event and team relay take place. The organisers have also planned fun rides for local residents, aimed at promoting the growing cycling culture in Eldoret.
Friday’s schedule includes junior men and women’s road races, with closures once again set from 8:30am to 4:00pm. Saturday will feature the much-anticipated women’s elite road race, with participants racing between Eldoret and Iten, a route known for its challenging terrain. This leg of the championship is expected to draw large crowds and test the endurance of both experienced and up-and-coming cyclists.
The Africa Road Cycling Championships will culminate on Sunday with the elite men’s road race, a gruelling event that will stretch across 104 kilometres from Eldoret to Iten. Eritrean star Hailu Biniam Girmay, fresh off his historic victory in the Tour de France, is among the top cyclists expected to compete. His participation, along with athletes from 16 countries, has fuelled anticipation for what is billed as the most prestigious cycling competition on the continent.
The event has been organised at a cost of Ksh400 million, a substantial investment that reflects the growing importance of cycling in Kenya. Local authorities expect the championship to raise the profile of Uasin Gishu, Nandi, and Elgeyo Marakwet counties, which will host various stages of the race.
Eldoret, known for producing world-class athletes, is likely to reap long-term benefits from the exposure, with tourism and sports development set to receive a boost.
For five days, the normally bustling streets of Eldoret will be dominated by cyclists, as the town becomes the centre of African cycling. Motorists are being urged to exercise patience and plan their journeys carefully, as road closures and diversions will significantly affect traffic flow.
First Lady Rachel Ruto (then Second Lady), located front centre, leads a peloton of cyclists in Nairobi on November 7, 2020.
PCS
