Prize money for 2026 LOOP Safari Gravel Series announced
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Reading Time: 3min | Wed. 20.05.26. | 14:03
The Naivasha edition will also serve as a qualifier for the 2026 UCI Gravel World Series
The second leg of the 2026 LOOP Safari Gravel Series is set for Saturday, 13 June, at the iconic Hell's Gate National Park in Naivasha, with hundreds of cyclists expected to take part in the increasingly popular event.
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Following a thrilling season opener held at Limuru Country Club in March that attracted a record 822 participants, organisers have now opened registration for the Naivasha round, where more than 700 riders are expected to compete across the 20km, 60km and 111km categories.
The Naivasha edition will also serve as a qualifier for the 2026 UCI Gravel World Series, making it one of only four official UCI Gravel World Series qualifying events in Africa, alongside two races in South Africa and one in Namibia.
Cyclists hoping to qualify for the 2026 UCI Gravel World Championships scheduled for October in Nannup, Western Australia, must finish within the top 25 per cent of their respective categories. The top three finishers in every official category will automatically secure direct qualification to the world championships.
The competition has also attracted an attractive prize purse. Winners of the men’s and women’s 111km elite races will each pocket Ksh20,000, while second, third, fourth and fifth-place finishers will receive Ksh15,000, Ksh10,000, Ksh7,000 and Ksh5,000 respectively.
In the team category, the winning side will take home Ksh125,000, with second and third place teams earning Ksh100,000 and Ksh70,000, respectively.
Troy Barrie, Coordinator of The Amani Project, said the UCI accreditation marks a major milestone for cycling in the region.
“We are incredibly excited about what the 2026 season represents, particularly with the UCI accreditation for Naivasha. UCI accreditation transforms this race from a regional showpiece into an internationally recognised competition.
This validates the hard work we’ve put into course quality, safety and athlete support, and it creates real pathways for African riders to earn UCI points and be seen on the global stage,” Barrie said.
“That exposure not only raises the standard of racing here, but it also brings investment, development opportunities and inspiration for the next generation of cyclists in Kenya and across the continent.”
Last year’s event attracted top international talent, with Belgium’s Lukas Mzewski winning the elite men’s 120km race in 3:45:03 ahead of Uganda’s Charles Kagimu and Germany’s Lukas Baum.
In the women’s elite race, Canada’s Haley Smith emerged victorious in 4:32:10 ahead of Rwanda’s Claudette Nyirahabimana and Germany’s Svenja Betz.
LOOP Digital Financial Services CEO Eric Muriuki said the UCI accreditation further cements Kenya’s growing status in global cycling.
“The UCI accreditation for our Naivasha edition is good for Kenya's growing prominence in the global cycling arena.
We are providing our athletes with a pathway to international recognition while at the same time showcasing the unparalleled beauty of our country to the world,” he said.
“We are incredibly proud to bring an event of this calibre to Naivasha, and we invite cyclists from all corners of the globe to experience this unique blend of competition and adventure.”
The scenic and challenging route will begin at Sulmac Village on the southern edge of Lake Naivasha and features a mix of terrain, with 62 per cent of the course on gravel, including red clay, single track and game trails.
Riders will first tackle a 21km opening loop featuring an early climb before returning to the start area. This will be followed by a 36km stretch of gradually ascending gravel roads before descending into the final 40km section.
Organisers say the toughest part of the race will come between kilometres 60 and 90 through the eastern side of Hell’s Gate National Park.
The LOOP Safari Gravel Series is organised by The Amani Project with support from LOOP DFS as title sponsors.