Uganda outshines Kenya to retain FIM Championship

Ethan Nyachae romps to the finish during the Central African championship at the Jamhuri motocross circuit in Nairobi county, Dec 10, 2017. [PHOTO: Mose Sammy, Standard]

Ugandan riders retained the FIM Africa CAC Motocross Championship title for the second year running after defeating Kenyan arch rivals 2415 against 1758.

Ugandan had their campaign effectively sewn up with a dominant first round lead in April which Kenyans failed to surpass.

At the solo classes it was a tale of mixed fortunes with both country's going neck to neck.

Kenyan Ethan Nyachae triumphed the MX 125 class beatings Ugandan Aviv Orland and Kigen Kiplagat to a scintillating podium dash.

"My bike didn't disappoint but I must admit Aviv Orland of Uganda fought his heart out. I wish to retain this title next season but we must now star planning against them," said Ethan who is also a national champion.

Ethan savoured a rare double in also clinching the national title.

"Its been a good fight but I believe the best riders carried the day," added Ethan.

Alon Orland of Uganda won the MX 65 class on his KTM machine beating Kenyans Race Garner and Martin Gikahi to second and third.

Fortune Ssentamu of Uganda was all smiles upon winning the MX 85 ahead of Kenyans  James Luusa  and Christian Chege.

Rolf Kihara of Kenya won the MX 2 class eclipsing compatriot Elias Sherman and Ugandan Fatty Kigungu.

Ngugi Waweru of Kenya eon the MX1 class up against Israeli born Asaf Nathan and Oliver Van pee from Uganda as Kenya's former star rider Shivam Vinayak managed fourth place.

Vinayak a four times mx 1 former champion is the reigning Kenyan Rally Raid bike champion.

Gift Ssebuguzi proved quite strong for Uganda winning MX 50 ahead of compatriot Isabella Blick and Kenya team rider Tanav Choda.

Kenyans will be hoping to avenge the defeat next year.

Uganda scored 1649 in the first round and wrapped up their campaign on a total of 766.

Kenya, o the other hand scored a paltry 528 and their 1230 victory could not hand them the coveted title.