The second edition of the 2024 LOOP Safari Gravel Series, held on Sunday at the Iten People’s Park in Elgeyo Marakwet County, drew in 86 elite and recreational cyclists from across East Africa.
Against the backdrop of Iten’s scenic landscapes, participants demonstrated their enthusiasm for gravel racing, showcasing their endurance and skill on the challenging terrain.
Organized by Amani Project and supported by LOOP Digital Financial Services, the event aims to promote cycling as a sport and position Kenya as a top cycling destination.
The challenging routes, featuring fast descents and meandering ascents across the Kerio Valley, provided participants with a test of endurance amidst breathtaking views of the Home of Champions.
The results were as follows:
120 Kilometer Race Results
Rwandese Seth Hakizimana of Team Amani claimed victory in the challenging 120-kilometer race, showcasing exceptional endurance and determination with a remarkable time of 5 hours, 15 minutes, and 5 seconds.
“It was a good race but quite challenging.
There are so many sharp climbs and sharp corners.
It was my plan to win this event from the start, and I’m happy to have achieved it with the help of my teammates,” said Hakizamana after the win.
Brian Kipkemboi and Geoffrey Langat from Black Mambas secured the second and third positions respectively, with impressive performances clocking at 5:18:43 and 5:23:31.
60 Kilometer Race Results
In the 60-kilometer race category, junior cyclist Mark Kiprop from Team Rift Valley Rippers said demonstrated remarkable talent and tenacity, clinching the top spot with a time of 3 hours, 13 minutes, and 56 seconds.
“The corners and sharp climbs were quite challenging, but coming from here, I was lucky to know the terrain very well, which came in handy,” said Kiprop after his win.
Franklin Kibet and Moses Simiyu, also from Team Rift Valley Rippers, secured second and third positions, crossing the finish line at 3:20:27 and 3:24:38 respectively.
20 Kilometer Race Results
The 20-kilometer race witnessed fierce competition, with Lance Kangangi of the Kenyan Riders team emerging victorious among junior participants, clocking a commendable time of 1 hour, 40 minutes, and 14 seconds.
Rooney Kipkurui and Michael Etaleshowcased outstanding performances securing second and third positions with times of 1:45:37 and 2:04:43 respectively.
Winners in the Elite categories were awarded a cash prize of KES. 30,000, while the victorious teams received KES. 250,000 in prize money.
Speaking during the event, LOOP Digital Financial Services (DFS) CEO, Eric Muriuki said, “We are thrilled by the enthusiasm for gravel cycling demonstrated by the participant.
As LOOP, we remain committed to supporting such endeavors that promote not just athleticism but also showcase the incredible landscapes that our country is blessed with.
We look forward to continuing our support for these events that celebrate the spirit of exploration and determination.”
Elgeyo Marakwet County Governor Wesley Korir who graced the event said: “We are delighted to have hosted this event.
We have never had such a top cycling event in this county, and we are therefore happy to have hosted it.
Our vision to make ElgeyoCounty a top sporting destination is on course, and in the next few months, everyone will be coming to Elgeyo because they know if they want to be champions in any sport, they have to come here, be it cycling, athletics, paragliding, and many more.”
The Iten competition marked the second event in the four-part series, following the successful inaugural event at Tatu City on February 4th, 2024, which attracted over 500 participants.
The Iten edition sets the stage for the upcoming leg of the series in Naivasha at Hell’s Gate National Park, serving as an International Cycling Federation qualifying event.
The series will culminate in Vipingo Ridge, Kilifi County, for the final edition, promising more thrilling moments and fierce competition.
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