Over 1,000 cyclists chase World Champs slots at LOOP Safari Gravel Series

Over 1,000 cyclists, including 38 international elite riders from across Africa, Europe and the USA, are expected to compete in the second leg of the 2026 LOOP Safari Gravel Series this Saturday at Hell’s Gate National Park in Naivasha as they tackle 20KM, 60KM, and the elite 111KM routes.

The Naivasha event also doubles as a UCI Gravel World Series Qualifier, one of the four 2026 UCI Gravel World Series qualifier events in Africa, with two in South Africa and the other in Namibia.

Last year’s Naivasha second-place finishers, Uganda’s Charles Kagimu and Rwanda’s Claudette Nyirahabimana, will lead the charge at Naivasha and will look to clinch the title this year in the absence of last year’s winners.

Further intensifying the women’s elite field will be Dinah Safari, who secured victory in the women’s elite race during the season opener in Limuru, Monica Jelimo, Grace Kaviro of Black Mamba and Kendra Masiga, among others.

Speaking ahead of the Naivasha event, Safari said: “I have been working on my endurance since Limuru and I feel fit and ready to go this Saturday. I am hoping for the best, although I anticipate that Naivasha will be a tough one given that it’s a UCI-accredited race and we will have pros from all over the world. However, I am banking on building on the win at Limuru to win this year’s series.”

In the men’s elite field, Kagimu will be joined by Stanley Ngugi of Black Mamba, who placed second in Limuru as well as Jordan Schleck who has cemented his name in the circuit since its inception in 2024.

To qualify for the 2026 UCI Gravel World Championships set to be held in Nannup, Western Australia in October, riders must finish the race and place within the top 25% of their category. Additionally, the top three finishers in each official category will automatically earn direct qualification.

Winners, both male and female, over the 100km distance will take home Ksh 20,000, with second, third, fourth, and fifth places earning Ksh 15,000, Ksh 10,000, Ksh 7,000, and Ksh 5,000, respectively. 

In the team category, the winning team will receive Ksh 125,000, while second and third place teams will be awarded Ksh 100,000 and Ksh 70,000, respectively.

Troy Barrie, Coordinator of The Amani Project, emphasized the significance of the UCI accreditation: “UCI accreditation elevates this race from a regional event to an internationally recognized competition. It validates our efforts in course quality, safety, and athlete support, creating direct pathways for African riders to earn UCI points and gain global visibility. This exposure attracts investment, development opportunities, and inspires the next generation of cyclists across the continent.”

Last year’s elite men’s 120-kilometre race saw Belgium’s Lukas Mzewski win with a time of 3:45:03, closely followed by Kagimu (3:45:04) as Germany’s Lukas Baum (3:45:05) finished third. In the women’s elite category, Canada’s Haley Smith claimed victory in 4:32:10, with Nyirahabimana finishing second in 4:38:48 and Svenja Betz third place in 4:44:37.

Eric Muriuki, CEO of LOOP Digital Financial Services, stated: “The UCI accreditation for our Naivasha edition this weekend enhances Kenya’s growing prominence in global cycling. We are providing our athletes with a path to international recognition while showcasing our country’s unparalleled beauty. We are proud to bring an event of this caliber to Naivasha and look forward to a massive turnout.”

The course features 62% gravel, including red clay, single track, and game trails, starting at Sulmac Village.

It includes a 21 km loop with an initial climb, a 36 km stretch of ascending gravel, and a final 40 km descent.

The most challenging segment, between kilometres 60 and 90, runs primarily on paved roads through Hell’s Gate National Park.

The LOOP Safari Gravel Series is organized by the Amani Project, an initiative focused on developing and supporting athletic talent across the region, with support from LOOP DFS as the title sponsor.