Cyclists will test their skills on challenging gravel paths during the second stage of the 2026 LOOP Safari Gravel Series.
The second race of the 2026 LOOP Safari Gravel Series is scheduled for Saturday, June 13, at Hell’s Gate National Park in Naivasha, offering an exciting display of cycling prowess and stamina.
After a successful start at Limuru Country Club in March with 822 participants, registration for the Naivasha event is ongoing, anticipating over 700 cyclists to compete on 20KM, 60KM, and 111KM courses.
This event holds special significance as a UCI Gravel World Series Qualifier, being one of only four such qualifiers in Africatwo in South Africa, one in Namibia, and the new addition in Kenya.
Competitors placing in the top 25% of their division will secure spots for the 2026 UCI Gravel World Championships in Nannup, Western Australia, with the top three finishers in each category automatically qualifying.
For the 111KM professional race, both male and female champions will receive KES 20,000, with other positions earning KES 15,000, Ksh 10,000, Ksh 7,000, and KES 5,000. In team competition, the first-placed group will claim Ksh 125,000, while second and third will receive Ksh 100,000 and Ksh 70,000 respectively.
Troy Barrie, Coordinator of The Amani Project, highlighted the importance of UCI recognition:
“UCI accreditation elevates this event from a regional competition to an internationally respected event. It demonstrates our dedication to course standards, safety measures, and athlete services, creating opportunities for African cyclists on a global scale.”
The previous year witnessed Belgium’s Lukas Mzewski winning the men’s 120KM event in 3:45:03, just ahead of Uganda’s Charles Kagimu and Germany’s Lukas Baum. Among women, Canada’s Haley Smith secured victory in 4:32:10, with Rwanda’s Claudette Nyirahabimana and Germany’s Svenja Betz following.
Eric Muriuki, CEO of LOOP Digital Financial Services, celebrated the event’s international recognition:
“We are honored to host such a prestigious event in Naivasha. The UCI status enhances Kenya’s cycling profile and presents our nation’s extraordinary landscapes to the international community.”
The Naivasha course begins at Sulmac Village, running along Lake Naivasha’s southern boundary, and incorporates 62% gravel surfacesincluding red clay, single tracks, and animal paths. Cyclists will encounter demanding terrain between kilometers 60 and 90 as they traverse Hell’s Gate’s eastern section.
Presented by The Amani Project with LOOP DFS as the primary supporter, the LOOP Safari Gravel Series continues to promote athletic growth and local cycling talent.