It is all systems go for the inaugural Grand Nairobi Bike Race slated for this Sunday at the Uhuru Gardens, Nairobi.
The event has attracted over 500 cyclists including children, recreational and professional cyclists, to be divided into three categories; family fun ride (10km), main race (70km) and black mamba (35km).
Exigent Limited, who are the organisers in partnership with their sponsors will pay out a total of half a million shillings in prize money to the winners in the main race and black mamba categories.
Motorists have been warned of slight traffic interruptions in the capital as roads will be closed during the race. They include part of Uhuru Highway from Lusaka roundabout, Bunyala roundabout to Haile Selassie roundabout, Langata Road, Mbagathi Way and Nairobi West.
Speaking during the launch of the event in Nairobi yesterday, Race coordinator Loise Wachira said the aim of the race is to transform Nairobi into a travel destination.
“We want to prove that such a race can happen in Nairobi and make it more of a destination and not a travelling city. Just like the Standard Marathon we want tourists to come and use cycling to visit other areas,” said Wachira.
Officer-in-charge of Traffic Nairobi Area Joshua Omukata assured of adequate security of the race that will start at 8am.
“We are in full support of this noble activity. Participants are assured of security,” said Omukata.
“There will be a slight traffic interruption for this activity and we ask members of the public to bear with us,” he said. [Rodgers Eshitemi]
We will only secure one side of the Uhuru Highway for the race, the other side will be flowing as usual.”
The launch was graced by KURA Assistant Director Corporate Communication John Cheboi, Kenya Cycling Federation officials Kelvin Mwangi and Angela Achieng, Desmond Momanyi (Race Director) and Nick Langford.
