The first round of 2017 FIM Africa Central Africa Cross Country championship was a great milestone to local Enduro.
It took place on Sunday at Lake Mburo National Park in western Uganda.
For the first time in Uganda, an Enduro round was organised at Lake Mburo National park. The new venue provided a picturesque view but mostly offered a new terrain to the competition.
The 25 kilometer course comprised steep slopes and rocky inclines.
Kenya’s 2015 Enduro champion Ben Spinks was certainly up to the challenge and came top on his debut in Uganda.
Spinks was the only rider to cover 5 laps of the 25 kilometer distance in 3hours, 17minutes, 18seconds.
His victory now puts Kenya in the lead of the regional championship.
“I started the race on a bad note after struggling through the 1-3 kilometers with directions.
“I lost my way. But the person behind me caught up with me and eventually helped me through,” he told Kawowo Sports.
“But I am happy to have competed here. It is a great experience for me. I liked everything about the race,” he added.
Uganda’s Craig Lentz came in second with Nick Dames in third.
Olivier Van Pee settled for fourth followed by Ashi Young in fifth.
Rwanda’s 14-year old Henzel Hendrick finished sixth despite showing thrilling skills in the three laps he covered. Gerard Kalanzi sealed the finishers list in seventh.
Meanwhile, three riders could not endure the challenging race. Dave Cliff, Patrick Van Pee and Gabor Miller all registered DNFs.