LOOP Safari Gravel Series Puts Sustainability in the Fast Lane

By ABN Staff 2 hours ago

LOOP Safari Gravel Series Puts Sustainability in the Fast Lane

The LOOP Safari Gravel Series is combining cycling, community and environmental conservation as the 2026 competition heads towards its final leg.

The third leg of the series, held in Vipingo over the weekend, saw cyclists take part in a tree-planting exercise that added 100 trees to the event’s sustainability efforts.

More Than 7,000 Trees Planted

The latest initiative brings the number of trees planted by LOOP through the Safari Gravel Series this year to 3,500. Across the three editions of the series, more than 7,000 trees have now been planted.

LOOP DFS CEO Erick Muriuki said the environmental activities reflect the platform’s commitment to making sustainability part of the cycling experience.

“For us, the Safari Gravel Series is about creating experiences that go beyond the race. Every ride presents an opportunity to contribute positively to the communities and environments in which we operate,” said Muriuki.

He added that LOOP would continue looking for ways to turn its sustainability ambitions into practical action.

Schleck and Aleper Defend Vipingo Titles

The Vipingo event brought together elite cyclists from across East Africa alongside amateur and recreational riders competing in the 105km, 55km and 30km categories.

Uganda’s Jordan Schleck retained his Vipingo title in the men’s 105km elite race after clocking 3:31:59. Kenya’s Bernard Njoroge finished second in 3:36:44, while Billy Mangwana completed the podium in 4:08:07.

In the women’s 105km elite race, Uganda’s Mary Aleper successfully defended her title with a time of 4:42:24. Kenya’s Alice Miring’u finished second in 5:24:19, followed by Mercy Eregae in 5:51:51.

The 55km races produced some of the closest finishes of the day. Lance Kangangi edged Aarif Mohamed by just one second in the men’s race, finishing in 2:45:50 against Mohamed’s 2:45:51.

LOOP Safari Gravel Series Puts Sustainability in the Fast Lane

Jecinta Wanjiru also secured a narrow victory in the women’s 55km race, finishing one second ahead of Jecinta Njoki.

In the 30km category, Peter Kamonye won the men’s race in 1:40:24, while Nadia Ibrahimji took the women’s title in 1:46:25.

Black Mamba won the team competition and received KES 125,000. Ariya Finergy Solar Vortex finished second with KES 100,000, while Team Joy Riders took third place and KES 70,000.

Final Leg Set for October

The Vipingo event was the third round of the 2026 LOOP Safari Gravel Series, following earlier legs in Limuru and Naivasha.

The final leg is scheduled for October, with riders expected to vote on and select the venue for the series finale.

As LOOP continues to grow the Safari Gravel Series, the platform is positioning the competition as more than a cycling event.

By combining sporting experiences with environmental conservation and community engagement, the series is creating a platform where competition and sustainability can move together.