2026 LOOP Safari Gravel Series Draws Over 800 Cyclists, Winners to Bag up to Sh20,000

More than 800 cyclists are set to participate in the opening leg of the LOOP Safari Gravel Series 2026, set for Saturday at the scenic Limuru Country Club, where top riders will compete for cash prizes of up to Sh20,000 in the elite race.

The Limuru event marks the first stop in this year’s four-leg gravel cycling series, which will take riders across some of Kenya’s most challenging off-road routes while combining elite racing with recreational cycling and adventure tourism.

Organisers say the record turnout reflects the rapid growth of gravel cycling in Kenya and the broader East African region.

Three Race Categories

Participants will compete across three distances designed to cater for both professional cyclists and amateur riders.

Out of the 822 registered cyclists, 115 will compete in the elite 100-kilometre race, the most demanding category of the event.

Another 366 riders have registered for the 50-kilometre race, while 235 cyclists will participate in the 20-kilometre recreational ride, which is aimed at beginners, families and adventure riders.

Regional Stars Headline the Race

Among the headline competitors are Ugandan cycling stars Jordan Schleck and Mary Aleper, both of whom have established themselves as dominant figures in East Africa’s gravel cycling scene.

Schleck enters the Limuru race with an impressive record in the series, having won five of the eight races staged across the past two seasons.

The Ugandan rider claimed two victories during the inaugural 2024 season and three wins in 2025, including the season finale held at Vipingo Ridge.

Speaking ahead of the Limuru opener, Schleck said he is confident about his preparation and eager to begin the new season.

“I’m really looking forward to the opening leg in Limuru. The LOOP Safari Gravel Series has grown tremendously, and it’s always exciting to line up against such a strong field,” he said.

“I’ve prepared well for this season, and I’m hoping to enjoy the race and see how it unfolds. I’m quite familiar with the series, and I hope to use my experience to get a win in the opening leg.”

Team Rivalries Intensify

Team competition is also expected to heat up this season, with Kenyan cyclist Monica Jelimo leading Team Ariya Finergy Solar Vortex for the first time as captain.

Jelimo, who finished second overall in last year’s women’s standings, said the team is well prepared to challenge for the overall title.

“Our preparations have gone well, and the team is ready for the season,” she said.

“We have a strong squad of 21 cyclists this year, and everyone is motivated. Limuru is a beautiful place to ride, and we hope the weather will be favourable so we can start the season strongly.”

Team Ariya Finergy Solar Vortex finished second in the team standings last year, and Jelimo believes their expanded squad increases their chances of winning the 2026 championship.

Cash Prizes for Top Riders

The top finishers in the elite 100-kilometre race for both men and women will compete for cash prizes, with the winner set to take home Sh20,000.

Second and third place will earn Sh15,000 and Sh10,000, while prizes will also be awarded to the remaining top-ten finishers, ranging from Sh8,000 to Sh3,000.

Cycling Tourism on the Rise

Beyond competition, the LOOP Safari Gravel Series has increasingly positioned itself as a platform for promoting cycling tourism and outdoor recreation in Kenya.

Organisers have also introduced bike hire services costing Sh2,000 per bike to make the event more accessible to participants without their own equipment.

Electric bikes will only be allowed in the 20-kilometre recreational race and shorter categories to maintain fairness in the longer competitive races.

With the record number of participants lining up in Limuru, organisers say the 2026 season could become the largest edition of the series yet, highlighting the growing popularity of gravel cycling across East Africa.

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