Cyclists take final LOOP battle to Vipingo as series concludes
Reading Time: 2min | Thu. 14.08.25. | 15:36
The race is expected to attract over 300 cyclists, including elite riders from across East Africa and beyond, as well as passionate amateurs eager to test themselves on one of the most scenic yet challenging courses on the Kenyan coast
As this year's LOOP Safari Gravel Series concludes on Saturday, 23 August, with the much-anticipated Vipingo Ridge edition in Kilifi County, battle lines have been drawn.
Follow our WhatsApp channel for more news
The fourth and final leg marks the end of a thrilling four-stop journey that has taken cyclists through Tatu City, Machakos, and Naivasha.
The Vipingo race is expected to attract over 300 cyclists, including elite riders from across East Africa and beyond, as well as passionate amateurs eager to test themselves on one of the most scenic yet challenging courses on the Kenyan coast.
The stakes will be high for competitors, with up to Ksh352,000 up for grabs. The winning team will take home Ksh125,000 while the second and third-placed teams will receive Ksh100,000 and Ksh70,000.
The top five finishers in the elite 120-kilometre race for both men and women are set to claim cash prizes of Ksh20,000, Ksh15,000, Ksh10,000, Ksh7,000, and Ksh5,000, respectively.
"The 2025 LOOP Safari Gravel Series has been phenomenal and has embodied the bold spirit we champion for, whether in sport, business, or personal growth.
From Tatu City, to Machakos, to Naivasha, and now Vipingo, we have seen communities of cyclists turn up in large numbers to compete and network.
Vipingo will be a fitting end to the season, bringing together the thrill of competition, the beauty of our country, and the power of sport to inspire," Eric Muriuki, CEO of LOOP DFS, said.
The Vipingo course will blend coastal beauty covered in rugged terrain with gravel stretches, rolling hills, and technical segments that demand both physical strength and tactical riding.
Beyond the race, spectators can enjoy a festival-like atmosphere featuring music, food, and family-friendly activities, making it an unmissable event for sports and lifestyle enthusiasts alike.
The Naivasha leg, which was a UCI-accredited event, saw Belgium’s Lukas Mzewski deliver a commanding performance to win the elite men’s 120-kilometre race, clocking an impressive time of 3:45:03.
He was closely followed by Uganda’s Charles Kagimu (3:45:04) and Germany’s Lukas Baum (3:45:05), who claimed second and third positions respectively after a thrilling sprint finish.
In the women’s elite category, Canada’s Haley Smith clinched victory with a time of 4:32:10. Rwanda’s Claudette Nyirahabimana followed in 4:38:48, while Germany’s Svenja Betz secured third place in 4:44:37.
