Cyclists in the North Rift region, particularly in Uasin Gishu County, have a reason to smile after popular athletics coach Gabriele Rosa promised to help them achieve their dreams.
The Italian tactician, who arrived in Kenya more than two decades ago, has announced plans of setting up a training camp in the region.
He described the locality as one of the world’s best venues to train cyclists.
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“Kenya is a good country for training. Altitude is the best place to train. My suggestion is to organize a training camp in Kapsait because it is 3,000-metre altitude.
“This is very important because white people like to go to 2,000 altitudes,” he was quoted by Uasin Gishu County News.
Rosa further explained the reason that makes it perfect for cyclists to dream big.
“At the time I decided to support athletics - that is 20 years ago. It was not possible for cycling. The roads were incredibly roughed road but today it's perfect,” he ended.
Jared Ochiende welcomed Rosa’s plans disclosing that cyclists in the region have suffered for a long time.
“This is great for us because, for a very long time, we have really yearned for it. We have been our own. We don't have sponsors and also we get our coaches here locally.
“Someone coming on board to give us that professional touch and support in the same is a big plus for us. We are very excited as young men,” explained Ochiende.
Some of the elite runners who have passed under Rosa's hands include multiple world cross-country winner Paul Tergat, Margaret Okayo, and Robert "Mwafrika" Cheruiyot.
Martin Lel, Asbel Kiprop, Nijel Amos, Tigist Gashaw, Jemima Sumgong, and Stanley Biwott are the other popular runners who have had an opportunity to work under Rosa.
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