Cyclists tackle the Machakos terrains of during the second leg of the 2025 LOOP Safari Gravel Series/HANOUTCyclists competing in the second leg of the 2026 LOOP Safari Gravel Series in Naivasha will have a chance to secure qualification slots for the 2026 UCI Gravel World Championships in Australia.
The event, set for June 13 at Hell's Gate National Park, will double up as a qualifier for the 2026 UCI Gravel World Series, making it one of only four qualifying races on the African continent.
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Riders seeking tickets to the World Championships in Nannup, Australia, scheduled for October, will need to finish within the top 25 per cent of their respective categories.
The top three finishers in every official category will automatically qualify for the global event.
Organisers expect more than 700 cyclists to participate in the Naivasha leg across the 20km, 60km and 111km races following a record-breaking season opener at Limuru Country Club in March that attracted 822 riders.
The Naivasha race has gained continental significance following its UCI accreditation, offering African riders a rare opportunity to compete for qualification spots without travelling abroad.
Troy Barrie, coordinator of The Amani Project, said the accreditation elevates the competition to international standards while creating pathways for local riders to compete globally.
“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,” said Barrie.
“This creates real pathways for African riders to earn UCI points and gain exposure on the global stage. It also opens up development opportunities and inspires the next generation of cyclists across the continent.”
Prize money has also been set aside for the competition, with winners of the men’s and women’s 111km races earning Sh20,000 each. Second to fifth-place finishers will receive Sh15,000, Sh10,000, Sh7,000 and Sh5,000 respectively.
In the team category, the winning side will pocket Sh125,000, while second and third place teams will take home Sh100,000 and Sh70,000 respectively.
LOOP Digital Financial Services CEO Eric Muriuki said the event underlines Kenya’s growing status in global cycling.
“The UCI accreditation for our Naivasha edition is important for Kenya’s growing prominence in the global cycling arena. We are providing our athletes with a pathway to international recognition while showcasing the beauty of our country to the world,” said Muriuki.
