The 3rd edition of the LOOP Safari Gravel Series, held at Hell’s Gate National Park in Naivasha, attracted a substantial turnout of over 467 cyclists, including both elite athletes and recreational riders from various countries across Africa, Europe, and the USA.
The event showcased the participants’ endurance and skill as they navigated through the challenging terrain amidst the stunning landscapes of Kenya.
In the demanding 120-kilometre elite race, Hans Becking from the Netherlands claimed the top position with an impressive time of 3:12:59. Lukas Baum from Germany and Chad Haga from the USA secured the second and third positions, respectively, with strong performances of 3:17:02 and 3:28:54.
In the women’s category, Maddy Nutt from the United Kingdom emerged as the winner, followed by Xaverine Nirere from Rwanda and Amity Rockwell from the USA in the second and third positions, respectively.
In the 60-kilometre race, Duncan Ruto emerged victorious with a time of 2:23:01, showcasing remarkable talent and tenacity. Swarbi and Geoffrey Kariuku followed closely, clocking times of 2:25:00 and 2:25:02, respectively.
The 20-kilometer race featured recreational cyclists and junior participants. Winners in the elite 120-kilometer category, both men and women, received a cash prize of KES 20,000, while the winning teams were awarded KES 125,000, KES 100,000, and KES 70,000 for the first, second, and third positions, respectively.
LOOP Digital Financial Services CEO Eric Muriuki expressed his excitement about the event, emphasizing their commitment to promoting gravel cycling and showcasing Kenya’s picturesque landscapes.
He highlighted the event’s role in providing a platform for cyclists in Kenya and East Africa to develop their skills and compete globally, while also celebrating their dedication to a healthy lifestyle.
In line with their commitment to sustainability, LOOP DFS facilitated the planting of over 250 trees during the event, contributing to environmental conservation efforts.
“We believe that our commitment to environmental conservation is integral to the sustainability of our operations. Therefore, through tree planting, we not only hope to mitigate the impact of climate change but also enhancing biodiversity and supporting sustainable development in favor of the next generation.
Ultimately, our dedication to these initiatives reflects our broader goal of fostering a healthier, greener planet.” Muriuki, added.
As the LOOP Safari Gravel Series progresses towards its grand finale, excitement is building for what promises to be another thrilling event in the final leg scheduled for 25th August at Vipingo Ridge in Kilifi County.
Organized by LOOP Digital Financial Services (LOOP DFS) and Team Amani, the series aims to promote cycling as a healthy lifestyle sport and position Kenya as a premier destination for gravel cycling.
Additionally, the race serves as a UCI gravel world series and International Cycling Federation qualifying event, allowing participants to earn points or rankings to qualify for the Gravel World Series.
With its combination of challenging terrain, stunning landscapes, and competitive spirit, the series continues to attract cyclists from around the world, contributing to the growth of cycling culture in Kenya and beyond.
