Uganda’s Jordan Schleck and Mary Aleper successfully defended their Safari Gravel Series titles in Vipingo Ridge on Saturday, winning the men’s and women’s 105km elite races as the third leg of the 2026 series delivered a competitive day of gravel racing along Kenya’s coast.
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.
The Ugandan rider said returning to a course where he had previously won gave him confidence, but he still had to manage the demanding coastal terrain and a strong field.
“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. She finished ahead of Kenya’s Alice Miring’u, who clocked 5:24:19, while Mercy Eregae was third in 5:51:51.
Aleper said defending the title was particularly satisfying given the demands of the course and the level of competition in this year’s field.
“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 also 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 went down to the wire, with Lance Kangangi edging Aarif Mohamed by just one second. Kangangi crossed the finish line in 2:45:50, with Mohamed clocking 2:45:51, while James Njagu finished third in 2:46:25.
Kangangi said the narrow victory made the win even more rewarding after a closely fought race.
“It was a very tight race and I knew I had to stay composed right to the finish. Aarif pushed hard and there was very little between us, so I am pleased that I was able to hold on and take the win. It is a good result for me and I hope to build on it in the next races,” said Kangangi.
The women’s 55km race category also ended tightly at the top, with Jecinta Wanjiru winning by a single second, after clocking 3:19:08, beating Jecinta Njoki who crossed the line on 3:19:09. Joy Ismael finished third in 4:55:40.
The 30km races also produced strong performances, with Peter Kamonye taking the men’s title in 1:40:24. Erick Ndungu finished second in 1:41:44, while Dennis Njuguna was third in 1:41:46.
In the women’s 30km race, Nadia Ibrahimji emerged victorious in 1:46:25, ahead of Amanda Onyango in 2:49:47 and Victorine Jepkoech in 3:00:23.
Beyond the individual races, the event also featured team competition, with Black Mamba who emerged top taking home KES 125,000. Team Joy Riders who emerged second received KES 100,000 while Ariya Finergy Solar Vortex who came in third took home KES 70,000.
The Vipingo leg brought together elite competitors from across East Africa alongside amateur and recreational cyclists, with riders competing across the 105km, 55km and 30km routes. The event forms part of the LOOP Safari Gravel Series’ drive to grow gravel cycling in Kenya and create competitive opportunities for cyclists across different levels.
The Vipingo race was the third leg 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 given the opportunity to vote on and select the venue for the series finale.