By KPC Sports Reporter
The 2026 edition of the LOOP Safari Gravel Series will roll off this Saturday, March 7, at Limuru Country Club.
A record 822 cyclists have registered for the season-opening race.
The popular gravel cycling series returns with a four-leg calendar that will once again take riders across some of Kenya’s most scenic and demanding off-road terrains, blending elite competition with recreational cycling and adventure tourism.
Among the headline participants for the Limuru race are Ugandan cycling stars Jordan Schleck and Mary Aleper, both widely regarded as dominant figures in the regional gravel racing scene.
Schleck has so far won five of the eight races staged across the first two seasons of the series—claiming two victories in the inaugural 2024 season and three last year, including the season finale at Vipingo Ridge in August.
Speaking ahead of Saturday’s race, Schleck expressed excitement about returning to competition and confidence in his preparations.
“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 am quite familiar with the series having won five out of eight races, and I hope to bank on that experience to get a win in the opening leg.”
The Limuru event will feature three race distances designed to cater to riders of different abilities.
Of the 822 registered cyclists, 115 will compete in the elite 100km race, 366 in the 50km category, while 235 riders will take part in the 20km recreational race.
Team competition is also expected to be intense this season, with Monica Jelimo set to captain Team Ariya Finergy Solar Vortex for the first time.
Jelimo, who finished second overall in the women’s standings last year, said the team has prepared well for the season opener.
“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 are hoping the weather will be favourable so we can enjoy the race and start the season strongly.”
Team Ariya Finergy Solar Vortex finished second in last year’s team standings, and Jelimo believes their strengthened squad gives them a strong chance of challenging for the overall team title in 2026.
Cash prizes will be awarded to the top ten finishers in the elite 100km race for both men and women, with the winner set to take home Ksh 20,000, followed by Ksh 15,000 for second place, Ksh 10,000 for third, Ksh 8,000 for fourth, Ksh 7,000 for fifth, Ksh 6,000 for sixth, Ksh 5,000 for seventh, Ksh 4,000 for eighth, and Ksh 3,000 for ninth and tenth place finishers.
