Abu Bakar Kamara of Lunsar Cycling Team and Rebecca K. Samba of Bo Cycling Club have emerged as champions in the men’s and women’s categories, respectively, at the 2026 National Duathlon Championship staged by the Sierra Leone National Triathlon Association (SLNTA) in Lunsar on Sunday, October 18.

The championship, held under the theme “Run-Bike-Run,” attracted 53 athletes, including 13 females and 40 males, representing eight clubs across the country. The competition combined running and cycling to test participants’ fitness, stamina and endurance.

SLNTA President Mariama Dalinda Rollings-Kamara announced that the winners in both categories have earned the opportunity to represent Sierra Leone at the 2026 Saly Triathlon Championship, scheduled for December 6 in Dakar, Senegal.

She reaffirmed the association’s commitment to developing the sport nationwide, emphasising that its talent identification programme aims to nurture athletes capable of representing Sierra Leone at future international competitions. She also thanked club managers for their contributions to the championship’s success and expressed appreciation to Abdul Karim Kamara, popularly known as Stylish, for sponsoring the event.

In the male’s category, Abu Bakar Kamara secured first place, ahead of Alhassan Marah of Flames Cycling Club, Freetown, who finished second. Ibrahim A. Turay, also of Lunsar Cycling Team, placed third. In the female’s category, Rebecca K. Samba claimed the top position, followed by Sento Koroma of Lunsar in second place and Safinatu Alie of Marampa in third.

Speaking after the competition, Samba expressed delight at winning on her maiden appearance in duathlon. She encouraged parents to allow their children to participate in sports, a sentiment also shared by the men’s champion, Abu Bakar Kamara.

Meanwhile, Tour De Lunsar Founder and Chief Executive Officer Abdul Karim Kamara, popularly known as Stylish, said his decision to sponsor the championship was driven by his passion for cycling and commitment to the sport’s development. He announced an additional US$100 prize for the winner in the male’s category and pledged to support the 2027 edition of the National Duathlon Championship.

The championship concluded with the presentation of certificates and cash prizes to outstanding athletes, providing a platform for local competitors to showcase their abilities and strengthening SLNTA’s efforts to develop athletes for international competition.