Excitement Peaks for Safari Gravel Series Finale in Vipingo

The finale of the eagerly anticipated 2024 LOOP Safari Gravel Series is set to take place on Saturday, August 24, at Vipingo Ridge in Kilifi County. This event will serve as the concluding chapter of the series which commenced at Tatu City in February and made its journey through the scenic hills of Iten in March. The series gained international recognition with its inaugural UCI Gravel series event at Hell’s Gate in June, drawing over a thousand participants from the Americas, Europe, and Africa.

During a gathering held to honor the victors of the Naivasha leg, LOOP DFS’s CEO, Eric Muriuki, expressed his optimism for a thrilling end to the series at Vipingo. He stated, “The LOOP Safari Gravel Race Series has provided an excellent platform for our riders to showcase their skills and determination. We are proud to celebrate the Naivasha winners and eagerly anticipate the final leg in Vipingo. With its unique course and scenic beauty, Vipingo will offer an unforgettable finale to this remarkable series. We invite all the winners and cycling enthusiasts to join us for this exciting conclusion of the first season of the series.”

In the ceremony, accolades were distributed to the top ten professional cyclists in the 120km LOOP category for both men and women, alongside three winning clubs from the third series’ leg in Naivasha. The Black Mamba Development Squad, Ariya Finergy Solar Vortex, and Kenyan Riders clinched the top positions among clubs, receiving cash prizes accordingly. Individual accolades in the 120km LOOP category for men and women were given to Jordan Schleck, Eric Muhoza, Edwin Kieya, Xaveline Nirere, Claudette Nyirahabimana, and Mary Aleper, recognizing their outstanding performances.

The series has enjoyed support from several corporate bodies, notably Huawei Kenya, which sponsored the prize funds for both the Naivasha and Vipingo legs, as well as the overall series awards.

Jordan Schleck shared his gratitude and enthusiasm for the series, particularly highlighting the Naivasha leg’s challenges and rewards. Hanifa Said, on behalf of Team AMANI, extended congratulations to all victors, with anticipation for the final showdown in Vipingo. She emphasized the series’ testament to endurance, skill, and sportsmanship, promising an unforgettable experience in the upcoming Vipingo race.

Organized by the AMANI Project, with LOOP DFS and Huawei as the key sponsors, the series accommodates varying levels of cycling proficiency across three distances: 20km for amateurs, 60km LOOP for enthusiasts, and the 120km LOOP for professionals, attracting a diverse array of local and international talent.