Kenyans deservedly recaptured the FIM Central Africa Motocross Challenge after dethroning last year's champions Uganda at Jamhuri Park race track on Sunday.

Kenya Junior Team Riders

 Dylan Mutahi of Kenya rode his KTM bike with precision to beat compatriot Tai Wahome and Ugandan Waleed Omar to second and third slots in a breathtaking MX50 podium dash. Ethan Nyachae of Kenya clinched the MX65 class ahead of Uganda's Fortune Ssentamu with Wazir Omar wrapping up the podium tussle in third.

Tutu Maina was in imperious form in MX1 as he vanquished hard-charging Ugandans Maxime Van Pee and Arhur Blick Jnr. There was no Ugandan who was entered in the MX2 class which was won by Ivan Guya. Guya riding a KTM four-stroke bike racked-up a rare double when he sealed the National and regional MX2 titles. He beat Apollo Mbuki to second position and attributed his championship feat to hard work.

Guya, who mesmerized the crowd with his antics, had a level-headed ride throughout the season and his weekend success was least surprising, at least from the bookmakers eyes.

Ugandan Captain Athur Blick Jnr. (son of legendary Ugandan rider Arthur Blick) commended his charges for putting up a gallant show  despite the team's numerical disadvantage.

Uganda entered only 16 riders minus their top guns including Israeli born Asaf Natan and Tamale Ahmed (MX2) who had been expected to spice up the championship against Kenyan race adversaries.

 "We put up a spirited fight and were determined to go all the way despite being handicapped by numbers. Most of our riders were unable to make it to Nairobi due to academic commitments. But I believe a grand opportunity is in the offing to recapture the title next year," said Blick.

While Apollo was left to rue a season ridden with jinx, newly crowned champion Ivan Guya was all smiles: "It was a good race day for me today (yesterday). I won the first heat in my new big bike but had to resort to my spare bike when it developed mechanical problems. Otherwise, I feel I have accomplished my mission and hope to go for more glory next season."

Apollo, on the other hand, commented: "Its been a season of ill luck as I have been grappling with injuries which resulted into missing quite a number of races. But I will embark on rigorous practice sessions next season to regain much of the lost ground." Maxime who is based in Hollland attributed his poor show to fatigue and inadequate practice. "I had lots of pressure in the first heat and lost brakes in the second so I'm not happy at all with my performance," said Van Pee who is studying in Holland. Maxime, who has been Kenya's longstanding race adversary, arrived in Nairobi on Thursday for the race.

FINAL TEAM POINTS

1.     Kenya 3663

2.     UG 2299

3.     TZ 450

RESULTS

MX50

1. Dylan Mutahi (KEN) 54

2. Tai Wahome (KEN) 52

3. Waleed Omar (UG) 50

MX65

1. Ethan Nyachae (KEN) 57

2. Fortune Ssentamu (KEN) 54

3. Wazir Omar (UG) 43

MX85

1. Elias Sherman (KEN) 57

2. Githuku Mungai (KEN) 52

3. Ngugi Waweru (KEN) 42

MX125

1. Rohan Gandhi (KEN) 60

2. Masalule Kituyi (KEN) 51

3. Samir Anwar (KEN) 45

MX2

1. Ivan Guya (KEN) 57

2. Apollo Mbuki (KEN) 54

3. Samir Sherman (KEN) 45

MX1

1. Tutu Maina (KEN) 60

2. Maxime Van Pee (UG) 51

3. Arthur Blick (UG) 45