Schleck, Masiga lead strong global field for LOOP Safari gravel series in Nanyuki

The LOOP Safari Gravel Series will make its inaugural stop in Nanyuki on October 17, 2026, for an 11th race in its 2026 edition. Over 600 cyclists are expected to tackle the 11km Chui, 45km Duma and 90km Simba routes at the Mt Kenya Wildlife Conservancy. The destination was chosen by riders in a recent poll. Leading the men's elite race will be Jordan Schleck, Ivan Kipruto, Bernard Njoroge and Stanley Ngugi, while Team Black Mamba's Kendra Masiga, Monica Jelimo, and Dinnah Safari will aim to win the women's elite race.

Also participating will be Vincent Chege and Evans Wangai of The Hub Karen and 19-year-old Martinie Ditona of DR Congo as well as Mary Aleper of Uganda. Troy Barrie, Team Amani Coordinator, expressed delight at the strong field assembled for the Nanyuki leg, which will serve as the Kenya Gravel National Championship. This race follows Limuru's season opener in March, Naivasha's UCI-accredited race in June and Vipingo Ridge in August.

Last month, Schleck and Aleper defended their titles in Vipingo Ridge, with Schleck winning the men's 105km race in 3:31:59 and Aleper taking the women's title in 4:42:24. Schleck leads the Men's Overall Individual Standings with 270 points, followed by Ngugi at 267 and Njoroge at 254. Masiga leads the Women's Overall Individual Standings with 250 points, followed by Safari at 236 and Jelimo at 235.