By Zim Sport Live Writer
Zimbabwe’s Rohnan Nicholson edged out Mauritius and Algeria riders in a sprint finish to claim gold in the men’s junior 119.8km road race at day three of CAC Road Cycling African Championships in Kisumu. Kenya on Friday, giving the country its second gold medal of the event.
Olivia Beamish won the women’s junior road race on Thursday.
Nicholson, who will represent Zimbabwe at the Youth Olympic Games in Dakar, finished crossed the finish line in 3:06:12 ahead of Mauritius’ Juliano Ndriamanampy settling for silver while Algeria’s Abdelkader Bechelaghem completed the podium with bronze.
With several talented riders in contention, the Zimbabwean said sticking to his game plan proved crucial as the pressure mounted towards the finish line.
“There was a lot of pressure in the final metres, but I didn’t think of it. I just did the best I could,” he said.
Beyond the hard-fought victory, Nicholson was impressed by the course and the enthusiastic reception from fans who lined the streets of Kisumu to cheer the riders on.
“It’s a nice course. There are a lot of fans on the course who shout and cheer, which helps motivate me,” he said.
The Zimbabwean also hailed the quality of competition at the championships, saying the performances on display in Kisumu were evidence that African cycling continues to make steady strides.
“We are growing as a continent, and we seem to be getting better riders each year, which is good,” he added.
Nicholson was one of three Zimbabweans in the race. Carlos Kee-Tui was classed as finishing outside the time limit and Ross Williams did not finish. Seventeen riders in total did not finish.
Cycling Zimbabwe said the three riders rode as a unit and executed their plan, adding that the victory “belongs to the whole team”.
