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SPORTS NEWS-The stunning yet demanding coastal trails proved challenging again for Kenyan riders in the 2025 LOOP Safari Gravel Series by Amani Project at Vipingo.

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-But defending champions Jordan Schleck and Mary Aleper both from Uganda braved all the odds to retain their titles in the 120 KMS for both Men and Women Categories respectively.
MAARUFU MOHAMED-GOLFNEWSLINKS.
Ugandan duo of Jordan Schleck and Mary Aleper braved all challenges to retain their titles for the 120 KMS Men women categories respectively in the Loop Safari Gravel Series by Amani Project at Vipingo Baobab Ridge terrain in Kilifi County on Saturday.
This was the 2025 edition of the Series that came to an end at the stunning yet demanding coastal trails which again proved difficult for Kenyan riders.

Jordan Schleck display his bike after retaining his title for the third time in the Men 120kms at the Loop Safari gravel series race by Amani Project in Vipingo Baobab ridge in Kilifi County on Saturday,23rd, August,2025. Photo by Maarufu Mohamed, golfnewslinks.

It was the third win for the 22-year-old Schleck this year, bringing his total record victories to five out of the eight races held so far since the inception of the Series last year.
Schleck braced the hot and ragged terrain to clock an impressive 4:28:47 to clinch the victory ahead of his compatriot Lawrence Lorot (4:40:03) and Kenneth Karaya (4:45:00), who finished second and third, respectively.
Schleck termed the race a tough one saying, “It was not an easy outing. The terrain was very tough, but I am very happy to have won today to defend my title in this leg. I thrive well in sunny places, so I knew I had all to win the race because I have been training well,” Schleck said.

Mary Aleper after retaining her title in the Women 120kms at the Loop Safari gravel series race by Amani Project in Vipingo Baobab ridge in Kilifi County on Saturday,23rd, August,2025. Photo by Maarufu Mohamed, golfnewslinks.

His Country mate Aleper crossed the finish line first in the women’s elite race for the 120 KMS, clocking 5:48:46, followed by Grace Kaviro who timed 5:51:09, as Kendra Masiga (6:40:32) finished third.
“I am happy to have defended my title at Vipingo. It was not an easy course, but I had prepared well for it. After finishing third in Tatu City, and fifth in Machakos, I knew that I had to train more to win in Vipingo. It’s humbling to come all the way from Uganda and win, “said Aleper.
The top five in the elite 120-kilometre race, both men and women were awarded cash prizes of Ksh. 20,000, Ksh. 15,000, Ksh. 10,000, Ksh. 7,000, and Ksh 5,000, respectively.
In the team category, Black Mamba emerged victorious, taking home Ksh. 125,000, while Ariya Finergy Solar Vortex and Joy Riders secured second and third places with prizes of Ksh. 100,000 and Ksh. 70,000, respectively.

Cyclists during the Loop Safari gravel series race by Amani project at Vipingo Baobab ridge in Kilifi County on Saturday,23rd, August,2025. Photo by Maarufu Mohamed, golfnewslinks.

The Series race that featured over 300 elite and recreational cyclists from across the Country and the East African region is organized by the Amani Project with LOOP DFS as the title sponsor.
Amani Project Operating Officer Hanifa Said praised the riders for the large turn out and pointed out that the Race Series has been a turning point in Kenyan cycling, bringing together communities from different regions of the Country with a common goal of making the Sport of cycling more accessible to all in providing four world class racing opportunities a year.
“Whilst championing the young talent that spur across the East African region, AMANI aims to cement East Africa’s presence in both off-road and road cycling on the African continent. Through growing initiatives around youth development, education and professional sport, AMANI’s partnerships with the Kenya Cycling Federation and sponsors such as LOOP DFS, continue to spur growing engagement in both the amateur and professional ranks in the sport, “said Hanifa.
Hanifa explained that has been ploughing the grounds for last four years and that the it will continue to be more focused on their vision for fielding an all East African team at Tour de France.
The Amani Project, conceived in 2019, is aimed at enhancing inclusivity and creating opportunity for riders based in East Africa and
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 and has so 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.
LOOP Digital Financial Services Chief Executive Officer Eric Muriuki said, “Today we celebrate not only the champions of the Vipingo leg, but the success of an entire season that has been a big success. We have seen the number of participants grow from the previous edition. Undoubtedly, we are helping change the outlook of cycling, not just in Kenya but across the region, as we have seen increased participation by cyclists from the neighboring countries.”
LOOP DFS is an African Fintech fully owned by the NCBA Group and with a history spanning over a decade, the business has established itself as a leader in financial services delivered through technology, pioneering mobile lending and savings in 2012 and currently LOOP DFS has expanded its footprint to six markets across East and West Africa, serving a diverse customer base of over 60 million people.
Beyond financial services, LOOP has redefined itself as a lifestyle brand, seamlessly blending 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.
MEN 120 KM TOP 5 WINNERS.
Jordan Schleck-04:28:47, Lorot Lawrence-04:40:03, Kenneth Karaya-04:45:00, Ephantus Gicheru-04:50:18, Ivan Kipruto-04:50:20.
WOMEN 120 KM TOP 5 WINNERS.
Mary Aleper-05:48:45, Grace Kaviro-05:51:09, Kendra Masiga-06:40:32, Julia Miring’u-06:56:16.
MEN 60 KMS TOP 5 WINNERS.
Ahmed Shee-01:42:21, Badi Mohammed-01:42:50, Phabian Jamous-01:45:34, Tom Ogoma-01:56:39, Kennedy Odera-02:05:36.
WOMEN 60 KMS TOP 5 WINNERS.
Sarah Mwende-03:31:27, Lee Olivier-04:08:14, April Kelley-04:18:13, Lauren Horsey-04:49:3.1, Wanjiku Jean Munyaka-05:32:21.
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