Loop Safari Gravel cycling Series heads to Iten
Elite and recreational cyclists from across East Africa are set to grace the second edition of the 2024 LOOP Safari Gravel Series, set for Sunday 10th March at the Iten People’s Park, Elgeyo Marakwet County.
The event, which is organized by Amani Project and supported by LOOP aims to promote cycling as a sport and position the country as a top cycling destination.
The cyclists will race over 120KM, 60KM and 20KM distances around the Home of Champions. There will also be junior, amateur and veteran categories.
Speaking ahead of the race, LOOP Digital Financial Services (DFS) CEO, Eric Muriuki expressed his excitement, noting that the event will be a launching pad for the immense cycling talent that remains unutilized in the country. “We are excited to see such a great number of participants already registered for the contest, with more expected as we get closer to the race day. We are hopeful that this race will not only be a launching pad for upcoming cycling talents, but also for Kenya’s potential as a cycling nation.” he said.
The winners in the Elite category will walk away with a cash prize of KES. 30,000, with the team winners banking KES.250,000 in prize money.
Amani Foundation, Mikel Delagrange said, “We have a strong field of cyclists across the categories, drawn from across the globe and some exciting entrants locally. The route will offer the racers a fitting challenge and we expect the series to continue to spur healthy competition.
Apart from the cycling action, spectators will enjoy fun-filled activities that cater for the whole family at the event’s village as well as experience a safe and friendly racing circuit for children.
This will be the second event in the four-part series following the inaugural event held at Tatu City on 4th February 2024, which attracted over 500 participants and saw Team Amani Cyclists, made up of Jordan Schleck and Seth Hakizimana and Eric Muhosa, emerging triumphant in the 120km category, beating 73 other participants in the category.
In the 60km category, Pillar Thandi and Tristan Byrne of Team Baiskeli Adventures emerged champions, defeating a field of 158 cyclists who participated in the category. At the same time, Alvin Maina of the Team Joy Riders clocked 1:06:23 to emerge champion in the 20km category. The category attracted 162 participants.
The Iten edition will usher in the third leg of the series to be held in Naivasha at the Hell’s Gate National Park, an event that will also serve as an International Cycling Federation qualifying event, before culminating in Vipingo Ridge, Kilifi County for the final edition.
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