Number of riders set for Naivasha gravel showdown revealed
Reading Time: 3min | Wed. 10.06.26. | 15:35
The LOOP Safari Gravel Series is organized by the Amani Project with title sponsorship from LOOP Digital Financial Services
Over 1,000 cyclists, including 38 international elite riders from across Africa, Europe, and the United States, are expected to compete this Saturday, 13 June, in the second leg of the 2026 LOOP Safari Gravel Series at Hell’s Gate National Park in Naivasha.
Riders will take on 20km, 60km, and the elite 111km routes in one of the most competitive editions yet.
The Naivasha race also carries major international weight as a UCI Gravel World Series Qualifier under the UCI Gravel World Series, one of only four qualifying events in Africa in 2026.
Last year’s runners-up, Charles Kagimu and Claudette Nyirahabimana, return as key contenders, both aiming to go one better this time around.
In the women’s field, attention will also be on Limuru opener winner Dinah Safari, alongside: Monica Jelimo, Grace Kaviro, and Kendra Masiga.
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… Naivasha will be a tough one given it’s a UCI-accredited race with pros from all over the world.”
_(1).jpg)
She added: “I am banking on building on the win at Limuru to win this year’s series.”
In the men’s elite race, Kagimu will be challenged by Kenya’s Stanley Ngugi and South Africa-based rider Jordan Schleck, both expected to play key roles in the title fight.
Qualification for the 2026 UCI Gravel World Championships in Nannup, Western Australia, requires riders to finish within the top 25% of their category, while the top three automatically qualify.
.jpg)
Prize money for the elite 100km category includes Ksh 20,000 for winners, Ksh 15,000 for second, Ksh10,000 for third, Ksh 7,000 for fourth, and Ksh 5,000 for fifth.
Team prizes stand at Ksh 125,000, Ksh 100,000, and Ksh 70,000 for first, second, and third, respectively.
Troy Barrie of the The Amani Project said: “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.”
He added that it “creates direct pathways for African riders to earn UCI points and gain global visibility.”
Previous editions saw Belgium’s Lukas Mzewski win the men’s elite 120km race in 3:45:03, narrowly ahead of Kagimu and Germany’s Lukas Baum.
In the women’s race, Canada’s Haley Smith claimed victory, with Nyirahabimana second and Germany’s Svenja Betz third.
LOOP DFS CEO Eric Muriuki said: “The UCI accreditation for our Naivasha edition enhances Kenya’s growing prominence in global cycling. We are providing athletes with a path to international recognition while showcasing Kenya’s natural beauty.” He added: “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.
Riders will tackle a 21km loop climb, a 36km ascending gravel section, and a 40km descent, with the toughest stretch between kilometres 60 and 90 passing through paved roads inside Hell’s Gate National Park.
The LOOP Safari Gravel Series is organized by The Amani Project with title sponsorship from LOOP Digital Financial Services.