Cyclists focus on World championship qualification ahead of Loop Safari Gravel Series

Cyclists during the launch of Loop Safari Gravel Series season 2 at KFEET Grounds, Karura Forest. Jan 25, 2025. [Jonah Onyango, Standard] The second edition of the Loop Safari Gravel Series was launched in Nairobi on Saturday. The race, which aims to create a cycling culture among communities, nurture cycling talent and elevate Kenya's position as a top global cycling destination, targets 2000 participants from the 1400 realised last season. Just like last year, the race will have four legs beginning with the Tatu City challenge on February 1. Iten leg has been swapped with the Machakos circuit that is set for March 8. The third leg of the series will head to Naivasha at Hell's Gate on June 15 with the last loop slated for Vipingo Ridge in Kilifi on August 23. Participants will compete in 120 km, 60km and the 20km categories in the legs where individual and team prizes will be lucratively rewarded upto top five finishers. Once again, the Naivasha event will used as a qualifier for the prestigious International Cycling Union (UCI) Gravel World Series, solidifying Kenya's position as a premier global cycling destination. "We moved the Iten leg to Machakos due to to the overwhelming demand and interest there, we hope to make the series as thrilling as possible this year," Eric Muriuki, CEO of LOOP DFS, explained. Carol Mbutura of Team Syke is hopeful to qualify for the World Championship the same way she did last season even though she was unable to travel to Belgium for the global showpiece due to logistics. David Lusa of Loop Cycling Squad is elated to join the race this year and his expectation is to win all the legs. "Apart from dreaming for a respectable finish in the circuits and the overall standings, I will be out to enjoy the ride, make friends and meet like-minded people," Lusa said. Judy Kosgei, a rider and a great advocate for non-motorised transport, will also be using the series to drum up support for the bill by Samburu West Member of Parliament Naisula Lesuuda seeking to amend the Kenya Roads Act 2017 to make it mandatory for cycling and walking paths to be established in all Kenyan roads to ensure safety of pedestrians and People Living with Disabilities. " I urge all the MPs to support the Bill when it comes to the August House," Kosgei reiterated. Amani Project representative, Joy Mungai heaped praises on the series saying: "We encourage both cycling enthusiasts and families to join us in this adventure because the Gravel Series is a big boost to nurturing and creating opportunities for Kenyan riders to compete globally while also bringing people together to celebrate the beauty of our country." Kenya Cycling Federation Secretary General, Kelvin Mwangi, applauded the initiative, saying: "This series is a significant boost to the country. It not only gives professional cyclists a chance to showcase their skills but also inspires recreational riders and fans to engage in the sport.We look forward to seeing more Kenyans embrace the game." The 2025 Loop Safari Gravel Series legs -Tatu City - February 1 -Machakos- March 8 -Naivasha's Hell's Gate- June 15 -Vipingo Ridge, Kilifi- August 23

Cyclists focus on World championship qualification ahead of Loop Safari Gravel Series

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