Uganda’s Jordan Schleck and Mary Aleper successfully defended their LOOP Safari Gravel Series titles in Vipingo Ridge on Saturday after winning the men’s and women’s 105-kilometre elite races.
Schleck retained his men’s title in 3:31:59, finishing ahead of Kenya’s Bernard Njoroge, who clocked 3:36:44, while Billy Mangwana completed the podium in 4:08:07.
The Ugandan rider said his familiarity with the Vipingo course gave him confidence as he navigated the demanding coastal terrain.
“It feels great to come back to Vipingo and defend the title. I knew the competition would be strong, so I focused on riding my own race, managing my energy and making sure I had enough left towards the end. I am happy with the result and grateful to everyone who supported me along the way,” said Schleck.
Aleper matched that feat in the women’s 105-kilometre race, completing the course in 4:42:24. Kenya’s Alice Miring’u finished second in 5:24:19, while Mercy Eregae was third in 5:51:51.
Aleper said the victory was a reflection of the preparation she had put in ahead of the race.
“Winning here again means a lot to me. The course was challenging and I had to stay focused throughout the race, but I trusted my preparation and kept pushing. I am happy to have defended my title and it is a great way to continue the season,” said Aleper.
The men’s 55-kilometre race produced one of the closest finishes of the day, with Lance Kangangi edging Aarif Mohamed by just one second. Kangangi clocked 2:45:50, Mohamed 2:45:51 and James Njagu 2:46:25.
Kangangi said the narrow margin made the victory particularly rewarding.
“It was a very tight race and I knew I had to stay composed right to the finish. Aarif pushed hard and there was very little between us, so I am pleased that I was able to hold on and take the win. It is a good result for me and I hope to build on it in the next races,” said Kangangi.
The women’s 55-kilometre race was similarly tight, with Jecinta Wanjiru winning in 3:19:08, just one second ahead of Jecinta Njoki. Joy Ismael was third.
Peter Kamonye won the men’s 30-kilometre race in 1:40:24, while Nadia Ibrahimji claimed the women’s title in 1:46:25.
In the women’s 30km race, Nadia Ibrahimji claimed the top spot in 1:46:25, ahead of Amanda Onyango in 2:49:47 and Victorine Jepkoech in 3:00:23.
The competition also featured a team category, with Black Mamba taking the top prize of Ksh.125,000. Team Joy Riders finished second to earn Ksh.100,000, while Ariya Finergy Solar Vortex placed third and received Ksh.70,000.
The top five finishers in the elite men’s and women’s races were also rewarded with cash prizes of Ksh.20,000, Ksh.15,000, Ksh.10,000, Ksh. 7,000 and Ksh.5,000, respectively.
The Vipingo leg was the third round of the 2026 LOOP Safari Gravel Series, following races in Limuru and Naivasha. The series will conclude in October, with riders set to vote on the venue for the final leg.
The event brought together elite, amateur and recreational cyclists from across East Africa, competing over 105km, 55km and 30km routes.
