The third season of the LOOP Safari Gravel Series is set to roll off on March 7, 2026, in Limuru, ushering in a four-leg calendar that promises competitive racing across some of Kenya’s most scenic landscapes.
Organisers say the 2026 edition will blend elite competition, grassroots engagement and greater rider participation, further cementing the series’ place on Kenya’s growing cycling calendar.
Limuru to Host New-Look Season Opener
For the first time, Limuru will host the season opener, offering riders a fresh challenge defined by rolling hills, tea plantations and demanding gravel routes.
With two successful seasons behind it, the Limuru leg is expected to attract more than 700 cyclists from across the region. Teams will compete for a top prize of KES 125,000, underlining the increasing competitiveness of the series.
Following Limuru, the second leg, a UCI-qualifying race will take place in Naivasha on June 13, 2026. The third leg heads to Vipingo on August 28, 2026, before the season concludes with a rider-selected fourth leg on October 24, 2026.
Riders to Decide Final Leg Location
A key highlight of the 2026 season is the introduction of a riders’ choice edition, allowing participants to vote on the location of the fourth and final leg.
The move is aimed at deepening local ownership, relevance and engagement across the series. In addition to the competitive calendar, organisers will host monthly rides and training activities with cycling clubs, offering tips and mentorship supported by top talent from leading teams.
Revised Race Categories to Boost Inclusivity
Organisers have also revised race distances to enhance inclusivity while maintaining the competitive edge of the series.
The Limuru leg will feature three race categories:
100KM Elite Race (reduced from 120KM)
50KM Recreational Race (reduced from 60KM)
20KM Amateur Race, designed for first-time cyclists
Each leg will also feature a 5KM children’s fun race, reinforcing the series’ commitment to grassroots development and early talent exposure.
Building on Strong 2025 Performances
The 2025 season delivered standout performances, particularly from Ugandan cyclists Jordan Schleck and Mary Aleper, who defended their 120KM titles at the final event in Vipingo Ridge.
Schleck has emerged as one of the most dominant figures in the competition, claiming five victories in eight races since the series was launched in 2024 and securing overall titles in both 2024 and 2025. He is expected to be among the top contenders when the 2026 season begins in Limuru.
Organisers Highlight Sporting and Social Impact
Eric Muriuki, CEO of LOOP DFS, said the series has grown beyond competition to become a platform for social and economic impact.
“Over the last two editions, the LOOP Safari Gravel Series has grown into more than just a competition. We have seen elite performances, increasing participation from recreational riders, and engagement from local communities. That tells us cycling can be a powerful tool for sports, healthy living, and economic development,” he said.
Troy Barrie, Coordinator of The Amani Project, noted that shifting the opener from Tatu City to Limuru refreshes the rider experience.
“For the past two years, our opening leg has been hosted at Tatu City, and shifting to Limuru allows us to introduce riders to a different terrain and experience. The rider-selected final leg reflects how this series continues to listen to and grow with the cycling community,” he said.
Organised by The Amani Project in partnership with LOOP DFS, the series continues to strengthen Kenya’s profile as a global gravel cycling destination while nurturing both elite and emerging talent.