Kenyan Riders captain Suleiman Kangangi has passed on.
The national team skipper crashed and died at the ongoing Vermont Gravel Race in the United States of America.
His demise was confirmed yesterday by his friend and cycling stakeholder Allan Gogo.
"It is with a heavy heart that Team AMANI and Abayomi Management announce the sad demise of our friend, mentor, partner, teammate and colleague Sule Kangangi in the United States of America after a heavy crash at the Vermont Gravel Race," Gogo wrote on his social media pages.
"We are in pain and we seek your prayers to his young family at this trying moment.
" We humbly ask you to be considerate in your tributes on social media. More information will be shared in due course.
"In all situations we Give thanks," Gogo stated.
The Iten-based athlete captained and represented the Kenyan national cycling team at the Commonwealth Games and All Africa Games multiple times.
The 2016 Tour De Machakos champion posted impressive results in the Tour De Rwanda contest where he represented the country many times.
Kangangi was a former boda boda rider in Lodwar before his talent was discovered by the Kenyan Riders founder and CEO Nicholas Leong.
Social media was yesterday awash with condolence messages for the departed cycling champion.
"Waking up to terrible news this morning. Kenya's top cyclist has died in the USA while competing in a race in Vermont. This guy was seen as the successor to the legend David Kinjah, the man who discovered Chris Froome. Rest In Peace Sule Kangangi," seasoned Kenyan journalist Sean Cardovillis wrote.
"I'm lost for words, this is devastating news of the day. My heartfelt condolences go out to his family and friends during this difficult moment," Stephen Nedege, a cycling fan, stated.
"This kills me. Why now. Death is everywhere nowadays. May he rest in eternal peace," wrote Dennis Kibet.
"This breaks my heart, " Rita Zagoni said.
"Quite unbelievable. What a mentor he was. Rest In Peace brother. Forever Kenya cycling will remember you," Peter Kamau underlined.
