By KPC Sports Reporter
More than 1,000 cyclists, including 38 elite international riders from Africa, Europe and the United States, are expected to compete in the second leg of the 2026 LOOP Safari Gravel Series at Hell’s Gate National Park in Naivasha on Saturday, June 13.
Participants will take on 20km, 60km and elite 111km races in what is shaping up to be one of the biggest cycling events on the continent this year.
Also Read
The Naivasha race also serves as a qualifier for the 2026 UCI Gravel World Series, making it one of only four qualifying events in Africa. The other three are being held in South Africa and Namibia.
Uganda’s Charles Kagimu and Rwanda’s Claudette Nyirahabimana, who both finished second in last year’s Naivasha edition, will headline the elite field as they seek to claim the titles left vacant by the absence of last year’s winners.
The women’s elite category is expected to be highly competitive, featuring Limuru season opener winner Dinah Safari, Monica Jelimo, Grace Kaviro of Black Mamba and Kendra Masiga, among other top riders.
Safari expressed confidence ahead of the race, saying she had intensified her preparations since her victory in Limuru.
“I have been working on my endurance since Limuru and I feel fit and ready to go this Saturday. I am hoping for the best, although I anticipate that Naivasha will be a tough one given that it’s a UCI-accredited race and we will have pros from all over the world,” she said.
“However, I am banking on building on the win at Limuru to win this year’s series.”
In the men’s elite category, Kagimu will face strong competition from Black Mamba rider Stanley Ngugi, who finished second in Limuru, and Jordan Schleck, a regular contender since the series was launched in 2024.
The race offers competitors a pathway to the 2026 UCI Gravel World Championships scheduled for October in Nannup, Western Australia. Riders must finish within the top 25 per cent of their category to qualify, while the top three finishers in each official category will earn automatic qualification.
Prize money has also been increased, with winners of the men’s and women’s 100km races set to receive KSh20,000 each. Second place will earn KSh15,000, third KSh10,000, fourth KSh7,000 and fifth KSh5,000.
In the team competition, the winning outfit will pocket KSh125,000, while second and third-placed teams will receive KSh100,000 and KSh70,000 respectively.
Amani Project Coordinator Troy Barrie said the event’s UCI accreditation marks a major milestone for African cycling.
“UCI accreditation elevates this race from a regional event to an internationally recognized competition. It validates our efforts in course quality, safety and athlete support, creating direct pathways for African riders to earn UCI points and gain global visibility,” said Barrie.
“This exposure attracts investment, development opportunities and inspires the next generation of cyclists across the continent.”
Last year’s elite men’s race was won by Belgium’s Lukas Mzewski in 3:45:03, narrowly edging Kagimu (3:45:04) and Germany’s Lukas Baum (3:45:05). In the women’s race, Canada’s Haley Smith triumphed in 4:32:10 ahead of Nyirahabimana and Germany’s Svenja Betz.
LOOP Digital Financial Services CEO Eric Muriuki said the UCI recognition further strengthens Kenya’s growing reputation as a cycling destination.
“The UCI accreditation for our Naivasha edition this weekend enhances Kenya’s growing prominence in global cycling. We are providing our athletes with a path to international recognition while showcasing our country’s unparalleled beauty,” he said.
The demanding course, which starts at Sulmac Village, comprises 62 per cent gravel terrain, including red clay roads, game trails and single-track sections. Riders will navigate a 21km opening loop, a challenging 36km climbing section and a 40km descent, with the toughest stretch running between kilometres 60 and 90 through Hell’s Gate National Park.
The LOOP Safari Gravel Series is organized by the Amani Project, with support from title sponsor LOOP Digital Financial Services, as part of efforts to grow cycling talent and elevate the sport across the region.
