-This will be on Saturday, 8th March where over 250 cyclists are expected to tackle the region’s stunning yet demanding terrain.
DOUGLAS MWALE-IMG KENYA LIMITED.
The 2025 LOOP Safari Gravel Series continues this Saturday, 8th March with its second leg in Machakos, where over 250 cyclists are expected to tackle the region’s stunning yet demanding terrain.
Organized by the Amani Project in partnership with LOOP, the series is aimed at promoting a vibrant cycling culture, nurturing emerging talent, and positioning Kenya as a world-class cycling destination.
Commenting ahead of the event, Eric Muriuki, CEO of LOOP DFS said, “Machakos offers the perfect blend of challenge and scenery, making it an exciting stop in the LOOP Safari Gravel Series. We are proud to support a platform that not only fuels competitive cycling but also fosters a growing community of riders passionate about the sport.”
Participants will compete across three race categories tailored to different skill levels namely the 120 km LOOP for professional riders, the 60 km LOOP for enthusiasts and recreational cyclists, and the 20 km LOOP for amateurs and there will also be a 5 KM LOOP for juniors under 18 years.
The route has been meticulously designed to challenge riders while showcasing the breathtaking gravel landscapes of Machakos.
Amani Project Director of Operations, Hanifa Said expressed confidence in the preparations of the event, saying, “We are excited to bring the LOOP Safari Gravel Series to Machakos for the very first time. This is an important step in our mission to expand cycling opportunities across Kenya. The preparations are currently ongoing, and we are confident that the event will offer cyclists a challenging yet rewarding experience. This leg not only opens up a new region for gravel cycling but also showcases the diversity of Kenya’s terrain for cycling activities. We expect both participants and fans to have a great experience this weekend.”
Top performers in the elite 120 km team categories will compete for generous prizes, with KES 125,000, KES 100,000, and KES 70,000 awarded to the top three teams.
The Machakos course promises an exhilarating experience, featuring a mix of smooth gravel roads, flowing single tracks, and scenic paths winding through local farmlands.
Cyclists will navigate a dynamic combination of flat sections for rhythm and steep climbs to test their endurance, all set against the backdrop of Machakos County’s hilly terrain.
The series kicked off last month at Tatu City, attracting over 500 elite and recreational cyclists from across East Africa.
The event saw thrilling performances, with two-time LOOP Safari Gravel Series champion Jordan Schleck defending his title in the elite men’s 120 km race, clocking an impressive time of 3:42:06 while Xaverine Nirere claimed victory in the elite women’s category with a remarkable time of 4:06:05.
Following the Machakos leg, the 2025 LOOP Safari Gravel Series will continue with two additional races in Naivasha on 15th June (a UCI-accredited race) and Vipingo on 23rd August.
LOOP DFS is a Pan-African fintech fully owned by the NCBA Group. With over 14 years of innovation, LOOP DFS has been at the forefront of financial inclusion, empowering more than 68 million customers across five (5) African markets through technology-driven solutions.
Since pioneering mobile lending and savings in 2012, LOOP DFS has continuously evolved to redefine the digital finance ecosystem.
Beyond financial services, LOOP, the main product for LOOP DFS, is a lifestyle brand anchored on finance. It seamlessly blends innovative technology with everyday experiences to empower individuals and communities.
Leveraging a platform strategy, LOOP DFS aspires to be the greatest catalyst for growth and transformation across Africa.
The Amani Project, conceived in 2019, is aimed at enhancing inclusivity and creating opportunity for riders based in East Africa.
Team Amani is the only all East African Professional cycling team on the world gravel stage.
The explosion of the gravel racing scene in the US and Europe expedited the break-down of barriers in cycling, making it more accessible to professional cyclists from East Africa.
While creating racing opportunities in Europe is a key focus area, building independent financial models for local teams and helping to foster indigenous cycling culture is amongst the AMANI project goals.
AMANI has thus far set a precedent for elite performances on the world stage and through its development projects (The AMANI House), the talent pool in East Africa is bound to grow giving rise to the future champions in the sport of cycling.
ENDS.
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