South Africa pedals to gold, powered by Kenyan ugali

South Africa won mixed relay gold at the African Cycling Championships in Kisumu, with Kenyan ugali earning a playful shout-out.

South Africa claimed gold in the mixed relay on the second day of the 2026 CAC Road Cycling African Championships in Kisumu yesterday, with Magda Nieuwoudt crediting Kenyan ugali for helping fuel their victory.

The South Africans produced a strong team performance to win the 40.8-kilometre race in 56:04.38, beating defending champions Mauritius, who finished second in 56:17.28. Rwanda completed the podium in 56:30.13.

Kenya, competing on home soil, finished fifth despite a coordinated effort from their riders.

Nieuwoudt jokingly attributed their success to the local staple food, saying it gave the team the energy needed to negotiate the demanding course.

“The secret of our strong race was the white ugali,” she said, describing the meal as filling and good for the riders.

Source: The Standard Sports