African Ace Schleck Out For A Triple As Loop Safari Gravel Series Heads To Vipingo

NAIROBI, Kenya- African cycling ace Jordan Schleck is out for a triple at the ongoing 2024 Loop Safari Gravel Series.
Schleck won the series-opening leg in Tatu City in February but missed the second leg held in Iten in March while representing Uganda at the African Games in Ghana.
After the African showpiece, he went for a couple of races in the United States before returning to Kenya to win the third leg of the Series recently held at the Hell’s Gate in Naivasha.
Schleck is among the individual cyclists and teams that received their Naivasha contest awards in Nairobi on Wednesday night.
While commenting on the honor, Schleck said: ” I’m super ready for the final leg in Vipingo (August 24, 2024). I’m looking forward to a podium finish there. I’m very confident that this will happen going by the kind of preparations we are putting together with my team and coaches which have put my body into great shape.”
When asked what’s the secret to his winning ways, Schleck explained: ” It’s training. I’m constantly consistent with my exercises. I also believe in myself. I also have the right support system in the industry. In cycling, there is no shortcut, you need to put in the work.”
The Team Amani cyclist said he will use part of the funds received to improve his cycling gear.
A total of 10 professional cyclists in both the men and women in the 120 km LOOP category, as well as three clubs who emerged winners during the third leg in Naivasha, were awarded in the night.
The top three clubs including Black Mamba Development Squad, Ariya Finergy Solar Vortex and Kenyan Riders were awarded prize money of Sh 150,000, Sh 100,000 and Sh 75,000 respectively.
In the men’s 120 KM LOOP category, Schleck, Eric Muhoza and Edwin Kieya were awarded Sh 20,000, Sh 15,000 and Sh 10,000 respectively for the top three positions. Xaveline Nirere, Claudette Nyirahabimana and Mary Aleper were also awarded for the top three positions in the women’s category receiving similar amounts in that order.
The series has so far attracted support from various corporates with Huawei Kenya coming in to sponsor the prize money for the Naivasha and Vipingo legs as well as the overall series rewards.
“The Series has provided an excellent platform for our riders to showcase their skills and determination,” Eric Muriuki, CEO LOOP DFS, said.
“We are proud to celebrate the Naivasha winners and eagerly anticipate the final leg in Vipingo. With its unique course and scenic beauty, Vipingo will offer an unforgettable finale to this remarkable series. We invite all the winners and cycling enthusiasts to join us for this exciting conclusion of the first season of the series,” he added.
Hanifa Said, remarked, “As Team AMANI, we congratulate all the winners and look forward to having them compete in the last leg of the series in Vipingo for a perfect finale to this thrilling series. The previous legs have highlighted endurance, skill, and sportsmanship. We are certain the Vipingo leg will provide an unforgettable experience for all participants.”