T. NashipaeNew dawn for cyclists in Uasin Gishu
Reading Time: 3min | Mon. 30.01.23. | 14:53
Dr Gabriele Rosa intends to set up elite cycling camps and races in Uasin Gishu
Outside of a few African nations, cycling has long been underutilized as a viable mode of transportation. This viewpoint is, however, finally beginning to change. Cities across Africa, from Addis Abeba to Cairo, Zambia to Rwanda, are investing extensively on cycling because they understand how valuable it is as a means of enhancing access to cities, public health, and the environment.
Cities are constructing new bicycle lanes to handle the flood of riders in response to the skyrocketing bicycle sales. Cycling is human powered, just like walking, which maintains clean air and ultimately results in a healthier and more just world.In Kenya, Uasin Gishu County, it is okay to say that it is a new dawn for cyclists. This is after Dr Gabriele Rosa, who is an athletic trainer and sponsor of the Discovery Kenya Cross Country promised to take cycling a notch higher, by helping cyclists organize international competitions and setting up camping sites.
Dr. Rosa contends that Kenya's attitude is favorable for training and long-distance sports, and that it is crucial to take advantage of this.
“Kenya is a good country for training. The altitude is good for sports of long distance.”
Dr. Rosa added that competitions will support the growth of talent and the promotion of cycling as a sport in Kenya. To accomplish this, the trainer promised to set up three training camping sites in Kapsait because of its 3,000m-high altitude. According to Dr Rosa white people prefer to go up to 2,000m, and the 3,000m altitude will work best.
“My suggestion is to organize a training camp in Kapsait because its 3000m altitude is very important because white people like to go to 2000m altitude.”
Additionally, Dr. Rosa noted that in contrast to twenty years ago when the roads were poor, Kenya has solid infrastructure now, including highways, which would allow cyclists to compete.
“One time it was not possible to hold long distance sports in Kenya. When I decided to cycle 20 years ago, it was not possible with the rough roads but now it’s perfect.”
The veteran also promised to invite teams round the world to train in Kenya as a way of promoting cycling, urging younger cyclists to come out.
“My suggestion is also to invite the main teams in the world to be in Kenya for training because it is a good opportunity.”
At the same time, Dr Rosa warned the cyclists against doping, and called on the government to arrest anyone found guilty of using performance-enhancing substances.
“You must be clean. Try to be strong because in Eldoret you have lots of talents. Trust yourselves to go on without doping.” Dr Rosa told the athletes.
According to the recipients, this was a dream come true because they had been funding and setting up their own routes for a long time, which was difficult.
“This is so great for us. For a long time we have been on our own, we do not have sponsors, we buy our own bikes, we create our own rules and we get our coaches locally.” One cyclist told Mozzart Sport.
