More than 1,000 cyclists, including 38 international elite riders, 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.
The elite riders, drawn from Africa, Europe and the United States, will join local competitors in races covering 20 km, 60 km, and the elite 111km distance. The Naivasha event will also serve as a UCI Gravel World Series Qualifier, making it one of only four qualifying races on the African continent in 2026.
The other qualifier events are scheduled to take place in South Africa and Namibia. Uganda’s Charles Kagimu and Rwanda’s Claudette Nyirahabimana, who both finished second in last year’s Naivasha edition, will be among the riders to watch.
The women’s elite field is expected to be highly competitive, featuring Dinah Safari, who won the season opener in Limuru, Monica Jelimo, Black Mamba rider Grace Kaviro and Kendra Masiga. Speaking ahead of the race, Safari expressed confidence in her preparations. “I have been working on my endurance since Limuru, and I feel fit and ready to go this Saturday,” she said.
“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 professionals from all over the world. However, I am banking on building on the win at Limuru to win this year’s series,” she added.
In the men’s elite category, Kagimu will face stiff competition from Black Mamba’s Stanley Ngugi, who finished second in Limuru, and Jordan Schleck, who has established himself as one of the leading riders in the series since its inception in 2024.
To secure qualification for the 2026 UCI Gravel World Championships in Nannup, Western Australia, in October, riders must finish in the top 25 per cent of their respective categories. The top three finishers in each official category will automatically qualify for the global event.
Amani Project coordinator Troy Barrie underscored the importance of the UCI accreditation. “UCI accreditation elevates this race from a regional event to an internationally recognised 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,” said Barrie.
LOOP Digital Financial Services Chief Executive Officer Eric Muriuki said the accreditation further strengthens Kenya’s position on the international cycling stage. “The UCI accreditation for our Naivasha edition this weekend enhances Kenya’s growing prominence in global cycling,” said Muriuki.
“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 calibre to Naivasha and look forward to a massive turnout,” he added.
The course, which starts at Sulmac Village, comprises 62 per cent gravel terrain, including red clay sections, single tracks and game trails. Riders will navigate a 21km opening loop featuring an early climb, followed by a 36km stretch of ascending gravel before tackling a 40km descent.
The most demanding section of the route lies between kilometres 60 and 90, where riders will race primarily on paved roads through Hell’s Gate National Park. The LOOP Safari Gravel Series is organised by the Amani Project, which focuses on developing and supporting athletic talent across the region, with LOOP Digital Financial Services serving as the title sponsor.
