Marzaan Mellett claimed African silver for South Africa in the Women’s Under-23 Individual Time Trial on Wednesday in Kisumu, Kenya.
The reigning South African Under-23 time trial champion covered the 20.4-kilometre course in 31:45.360. That ride placed her second among 15 riders from 10 nations at the 2026 African Road Cycling Championships.
Rwanda’s Jazilla Mwamikazi won the title, finishing 27.779 seconds faster than Mellett. Ethiopia’s Tsige Kiros completed the podium in 32:03.991, 18.631 seconds behind Mellett.
South Africa also placed another rider near the medals. Megan Botha finished fourth in 32:13.854, giving the country two riders inside the top four.
Marzaan Mellett adds African silver to national title
Mellett’s result continues a strong season against the clock. She won the South African Under-23 time trial title in February before stepping up to continental competition in Kenya.
The silver medal confirms her standing among Africa’s leading Under-23 time trial riders. It also gives South Africa a notable result in a field drawn from across the continent.
The race demanded a sustained effort over 20.4 kilometres. Mellett kept herself clear of the bronze-medal battle and finished less than half a minute from gold.
Kiros’ bronze ride kept pressure on the South African, but Mellett held an 18.631-second margin at the finish. Botha’s fourth place added further depth to South Africa’s performance in the event.
Kisumu hosts African Road Cycling Championships
The Women’s Under-23 time trial took place on 21 October. It formed part of the African Road Cycling Championships, which run from 21 to 25 October in Kisumu.
The championships bring riders from across Africa together to contest continental titles. For Mellett, the event offered a chance to test her national champion’s form beyond South Africa.
Her second place came in a race with broad continental representation. The start list included 15 riders and 10 nations, adding weight to the final podium result.
Mwamikazi gave Rwanda the gold medal with the fastest ride of the day. Mellett secured silver for South Africa, while Kiros earned bronze for Ethiopia.
Botha’s fourth place ensured South Africa featured prominently at the front of the standings. The result also underlined the country’s depth in the Under-23 women’s time trial.
South Africa earns two top-four places
Mellett now leaves the time trial with both national and continental honours on her 2026 season record. Her African silver sits alongside the South African Under-23 title she won in February.
Cycle Nation congratulates Mellett on a strong ride in Kisumu. Her medal adds another significant result to a season already marked by national success.
The championships continue in Kisumu through 25 October, with continental titles on offer across the programme.
Related Cycle Nation stories
- Marzaan Mellett wins Free State Challenge after long-range Cycle Nation attack
- Attakwas Extreme prize money jumps to $18,400 for 2027 UCI marathon
- Marzaan Mellett Controls Elite Women’s Race at Brits Gravel Grinder
- Marzaan Mellett Gravel Victory Secures Gauteng Elite Women’s Title
- Paul Seixas boosts road race hopes with world time trial bronze