Uganda dominates opening round of FIM Central Africa Motocross Challenge
Uganda dominated the first round, collecting 2,419 points, well ahead of rivals Kenya, who managed only 138 points after fielding just four riders.
PHOTOS: Johnson Were
Uganda has emerged as a champion in waiting after the opening round of the FIM Central Africa Motocross Challenge, held at Victoria Raceway Park in Garuga.
Uganda dominated the first round, collecting 2,419 points, well ahead of rivals Kenya, who managed only 138 points after fielding just four riders. The result leaves Uganda in a strong position to retain the regional title it won last year in Naivasha, Kenya.
The two-day East and Central Africa Motocross Challenge in Garuga, Entebbe, was meant to feature four countries: Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, and hosts Uganda.
However, only Kenya and Tanzania turned up. Tanzanian riders participated only as guests because the country is not yet affiliated with the continental body, FIM Africa.
The absence of full participation from Kenya gave Ugandan riders the opportunity to dominate all classes except the MX85 class, where Kenya’s Armani-Armani provided stiff competition for the hosts.
Across all three heats, the battles between Armani-Armani, Jonathan Katende, Ramathan Mubiru, Ashraf Mbabazi Jr., and Ethan Musede kept fans excited throughout the event. Katende emerged as the overall winner with 60 points, Armani finished second with 45 points, while Ethan Musede took third with 43 points.
Ugandan star Jonathan Katende was humble after his victory and promised more wins in the second leg. However, his Kenyan rival Armani vowed to fight back on home soil, attributing his defeat to unfamiliarity with the track.
“I did not have enough time to practice on this track, but I tried my best. Jonathan, Mubiru, Mbabazi, and Musede are very good riders, but I promise I am waiting for them at home, and I will win,” Armani said.
In other classes, Malcolm Omoding returned to racing in the MX2 class, finishing second behind winner Gift Tabula Sebuguzi in a grueling race, while Ashraf Mbabazi Jr. came third in the seven-rider field.
In the MX65cc class, Kyle Musede was at the top of his form, winning all three heats to collect a maximum 60 points. Solomon Winyi finished second, while Edric Musede completed the podium.
The event was sponsored by Mountain Dew, Shell, and Gogo Electric Bikes.