The LOOP Safari Gravel Series strengthened its commitment to environmental sustainability at the weekend as cyclists gathered for the third leg of the 2026 series in Vipingo, with 100 trees planted as part of the event’s environmental conservation efforts.
The latest tree-planting activity brings the number of trees planted by Loop through the Safari Gravel Series this year to 3,500. Across the three editions of the series, more than 7,000 trees have now been planted, reinforcing the platform’s commitment to pairing outdoor sporting experiences with practical action to protect and restore the environment.
“For us, the Safari Gravel Series is about creating experiences that go beyond the race. Every ride presents an opportunity to contribute positively to the communities and environments in which we operate. Planting 3,500 trees this year, and more than 7,000 across the three editions of the series, reflects our commitment to making sustainability an integral part of the LOOP experience. As we look ahead to the next edition, we will continue to find meaningful ways to put our purpose into action,” said Erick Muriuki, LOOP DFS CEO.
The sustainability initiative formed part of the wider Vipingo experience, bringing together elite competitors from across East Africa alongside amateur and recreational cyclists to compete across the 105km, 55km and 30km routes. On the course, Uganda’s Jordan Schleck and Mary Aleper successfully defended their LOOP Safari Gravel Series titles in Vipingo, winning the men’s and women’s 105km elite races.
Schleck retained his Vipingo crown after clocking 3:31:59 in the 105km men’s race, holding off Kenya’s Bernard Njoroge, who finished second in 3:36:44. Billy Mangwana completed the podium in 4:08:07.
“It feels great to come back to Vipingo and defend the title. 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. I am happy with the result and grateful to everyone who supported me along the way,” said Schleck.
Aleper also successfully defended her title in the women’s 105km race, completing the course in 4:42:24. Kenya’s Alice Miring’u finished second in 5:24:19, while Mercy Eregae was third in 5:51:51. “Winning here again means a lot to me. The course was challenging and I had to stay focused throughout the race, but I trusted my preparation and kept pushing. I am happy to have defended my title and it is a great way to continue the season,” said Aleper.
The top five finishers in the elite men’s and women’s races were rewarded with cash prizes of KES 20,000, KES 15,000, KES 10,000, KES 7,000 and KES 5,000, respectively.
The 55km men’s race delivered one of the closest finishes of the day, with Lance Kangangi edging Aarif Mohamed by just one second. Kangangi crossed the line in 2:45:50, with Mohamed clocking 2:45:51, while James Njagu finished third in 2:46:25. In the women’s 55km race, Jecinta Wanjiru also secured a narrow victory, finishing in 3:19:08, just one second ahead of Jecinta Njoki in 3:19:09. Joy Ismael finished third in 4:55:40.
The 30km races saw Peter Kamonye take the men’s title in 1:40:24, ahead of Erick Ndungu in 1:41:44 and Dennis Njuguna in 1:41:46. In the women’s race, Nadia Ibrahimji emerged victorious in 1:46:25, followed by Amanda Onyango in 2:49:47 and Victorine Jepkoech in 3:00:23.
In the team competition, Black Mamba emerged winners and took home KES 125,000, while Ariya Finergy Solar Vortex finished second with KES 100,000. Team Joy Riders placed third and received KES 70,000.
The Vipingo leg was the third round of the 2026 LOOP Safari Gravel Series, following the opening round in Limuru and the second leg in Naivasha. The final leg of this year’s circuit will be held in Naivasha in October, with riders set to vote on and select the venue for the series finale.
As LOOP continues to build the Safari Gravel Series, the platform is positioning the series as more than a cycling competition, bringing together sport, community and environmental action while creating opportunities for cyclists at different levels. The next edition will continue to build on this approach, further embedding sustainability and purpose into the LOOP experience.
