Cycling the Kenya Coast: LOOP Safari Gravel Series Returns
There’s nothing quite like the sight of hundreds of cyclists streaming out across gravel roads with the Indian Ocean glittering in the background and on Saturday, August 29, Vipingo Ridge once again proved why it’s the ultimate stage for East Africa’s premier gravel cycling series.
Building upon the success of two prior years, this year’s Coast edition hosted the third leg of the 2026 LOOP Safari Gravel Series, Vipingo Ridge threw open its gates for a weekend that had it all: world-class racing, coastal scenery, community spirit and a festival atmosphere that kept riders and spectators buzzing long after the last finisher crossed the line.
More than 300 cyclists made the journey to the coast to take on the fast-flowing gravel roads, scenic farmland tracks and palm-lined trails that have made Vipingo Ridge a firm favourite on the series calendar elite, amateur and recreational riders alike, all drawn by the promise of a truly unforgettable coastal challenge.
Schleck and Aleper Defend Their Titles
Uganda’s Jordan Schleck once again proved unbeatable on the Vipingo course through a sheer dominance and successfully defending his men’s elite title in the 105km race with a time of 3:31:59.
Kenya’s Bernard Njoroge crossed the line second in 3:36:44, with Billy Mangwana rounding out the podium in 4:08:07.
“It feels great to come back to Vipingo and defend the title”, Schleck said after the race. “I knew the competition would be strong, so I focused on riding my own race, managing my energy and making sure I had enough left towards the end.”
In the women’s elite race, Uganda’s Mary Aleper matched her compatriot’s feat, retaining her title in 4:42:24. Kenya’s Alice Miringu finished second in 5:24:19, while Mercy Eregae completed the podium in 5:51:51.
“Winning here again means a lot to me”, Aleper said “The course was challenging and I had to stay focused throughout the race, but I trusted my preparation and kept pushing.”
Tight finishes in 55km and 30km races
The shorter distances produced some of the tightest racing of the day. In the men’s 55km race, Lance Kangangi held off Aarif Mohamed by a single second, clocking 2:45:50 to Mohamed’s 2:45:51, with James Njagu third in 2:46:25. The women’s 55km category was just as close, with Jecinta Wanjiru edging Jecinta Njoki by one second to win in 3:19:08, while Joy Ismael took third.
In the 30km races, Peter Kamonye topped the men’s field in 1:40:24, while Nadia Ibrahimji won the women's category in 1:46:25, ahead of Amanda Onyango and Victorine Jepkoech.
Team Wins: Return of Black Mamba
On the team front, Black Mamba claimed the top prize of Ksh 125,000, with Team Joy Riders taking Ksh 100,000 for second and Ariya Finergy Solar Vortex earning Ksh 70,000 for third.
More Than a Race
True to form, this year’s Vipingo leg was about more than just times and podiums. The race village once again turned into a festival ground, with music, food and family entertainment keeping the energy high throughout the day this year’s edition was headlined by a live performance from Masauti, adding an extra buzz to the post-race celebrations.
Because at Vipingo Ridge, sustainability is never an afterthought, it’ss part of who we are. Representatives from the Kenya Forestry Service joined cyclists, spectators and guests on the grounds for a tree-planting initiative, putting indigenous seedlings into the earth as a lasting reminder of the weekend. It has become a signature moment at every LOOP Safari Gravel Series stop here at Vipingo Ridge proof that world-class sport and environmental stewardship belong together.
The Road to October
Vipingo was the third round of the 2026 season, following earlier legs in Limuru and Naivasha. What made this year different is the new ‘Riders Choice’ format: instead of organisers picking the final destination, fans and cyclists were given the vote and Vipingo is where the result was unveiled.
The fourth and final leg of the season will head to Nanyuki on October 24, 2026, marking the first time the series has ventured to the region since its inception. It is a fitting way to close out a season that has already taken riders from the tea highlands of Limuru, through the wildlife-dotted trails of Hell’s Gate in Naivasha, down to the palm-fringed gravel of the Swahili Coast and now onward to the foothills of Mount Kenya.
Organised by the Amani Project in partnership with LOOP Digital Financial Services as title sponsor, the LOOP Safari Gravel Series has grown into one of the anchor events on East Africa’s cycling calendar, and all eyes now turn to Nanyuki for a season finale that promises to be the biggest yet.
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