All preparations are complete for the final leg of the 2024 LOOP Safari Gravel Series, set to take place on Saturday, August 24, at Vipingo Ridge in Kilifi County.
This event will conclude the 2024 LOOP Safari Gravel Series, which began earlier this year at Tatu City in February and continued through the hills of Iten in March.
In June, the series made history with the first-ever UCI Gravel Series event at Hell’s Gate, drawing over 1,000 cyclists from across America, Europe, and Africa.
Speaking at a ceremony in Naivasha to honor the winners of the previous leg, LOOP DFS CEO Eric Muriuki expressed his anticipation for an exciting finale in Vipingo.
“The LOOP Safari Gravel Race Series has been 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,” Muriuki stated. “With its unique course and scenic beauty, Vipingo will offer an unforgettable conclusion to this remarkable series. We invite all winners and cycling enthusiasts to join us for the thrilling end to the first season of the series.”
During the Naivasha ceremony, 10 professional cyclists from both the men’s and women’s 120km LOOP categories, along with three clubs, were awarded for their victories in the third leg of the series. The top three clubs—Black Mamba Development Squad, Ariya Finergy Solar Vortex, and Kenyan Riders—received prize money of Sh. 150,000, Sh.100,000, and Sh. 75,000 respectively.
In the men’s 120km LOOP category, Jordan Schleck, Eric Muhoza, and Edwin Kieya were awarded Sh. 20,000, Sh.15,000, and Sh.10,000 respectively for securing the top three positions. The women’s category saw Xaveline Nirere, Claudette Nyirahabimana, and Mary Aleper receive the same amounts for their top-three finishes.
Huawei Kenya sponsored the prize money for both the Naivasha and Vipingo legs, as well as the overall series rewards, adding significant corporate support to the event.
Reflecting on his victory, Jordan Schleck said, “The Naivasha leg of the series was both challenging and rewarding. I’m deeply grateful for the opportunity to refine my skills and compete with fellow enthusiasts.”
Hanifa Said of Team AMANI remarked, “We congratulate all the winners and look forward to their participation in the final leg at Vipingo, which promises to be the perfect finale to this thrilling series. The previous legs have showcased endurance, skill, and sportsmanship, and we are certain the Vipingo leg will provide an unforgettable experience for all participants.”
The Vipingo race promises to be an action-packed event, featuring challenging gravel roads and breathtaking views of the stunning Vipingo Ridge.
The LOOP Safari Gravel Series, organized by the AMANI Project with LOOP DFS as the title sponsor and Huawei as the prize money sponsor, includes three categories: a 20km course for amateurs, a 60km LOOP for cycling enthusiasts, and a 120km LOOP for professional cyclists, attracting both local and international riders.
