By KPC Sports Reporter
The second leg of the 2026 LOOP Safari Gravel Series will unfold on Saturday, June 13, at the breathtaking Hell’s Gate National Park in Naivasha, promising another high-octane showcase of endurance and skill.
Following a record-breaking opener at Limuru Country Club in March that drew 822 competitors, registration for the Naivasha leg is now open, with more than 700 cyclists expected to tackle 20KM, 60KM, and 111KM routes.
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This edition carries extra prestige as a UCI Gravel World Series Qualifier, one of only four qualifiers in Africa—two in South Africa, one in Namibia, and now Kenya.
Riders finishing within the top 25% of their category will qualify for the 2026 UCI Gravel World Championships in Nannup, Western Australia, while the top three finishers in each category earn automatic qualification.
Prize money for the 111KM elite race will see male and female winners pocket KES 20,000, with subsequent positions earning KES 15,000, Ksh 10,000, Ksh 7,000, and KES 5,000. In the team category, the winning squad will take home Ksh 125,000, followed by Ksh 100,000 and Ksh 70,000 for second and third place.
Troy Barrie, Coordinator of The Amani Project, emphasized the milestone of UCI accreditation:
“UCI accreditation transforms this race from a regional showpiece into an internationally recognized competition. It validates our commitment to course quality, safety, and athlete support, while opening global pathways for African riders.”
Last year’s edition saw Belgium’s Lukas Mzewski dominate the men’s 120KM race in 3:45:03, narrowly ahead of Uganda’s Charles Kagimu and Germany’s Lukas Baum. In the women’s elite category, Canada’s Haley Smith triumphed in 4:32:10, followed by Rwanda’s Claudette Nyirahabimana and Germany’s Svenja Betz.
Eric Muriuki, CEO of LOOP Digital Financial Services, hailed the event’s growing global stature:
“We’re proud to bring an event of this caliber to Naivasha. The UCI accreditation elevates Kenya’s cycling scene and showcases our country’s unmatched beauty to the world.”
The Naivasha route will start at Sulmac Village, skirting the southern edge of Lake Naivasha, and feature 62% gravel terrain—a mix of red clay, single track, and game trails. Riders will face a challenging stretch between kilometers 60 and 90, cutting through the eastern side of Hell’s Gate.
Organized by The Amani Project with LOOP DFS as title sponsor, the LOOP Safari Gravel Series continues to champion athletic development and regional talent.
