In what sports analysts and cycling enthusiasts predict could become one of the world’s premier cycling circuits and a popular high-altitude training site for elite cyclists, Ugandan Lawrence Lorot emerged victorious at the inaugural Kaptagat Cycling Challenge in Elgeyo Marakwet County.
Lorot clocked an impressive time of 01:37:02, narrowly beating Kenya’s Geoffrey Lagat of Black Mambas, who finished at 01:37:17.
Charles Kagimu, Uganda’s first cyclist to qualify for the Olympics, secured third place with a time of 01:39:27.
Kagimu, who will represent Uganda in the road race at the Paris Olympics, in 2024, is part of the INEOS Eliud Kipchoge Cycling Academy and a member of the Kenya Riders Cycling team.
In the Elite women’s race, Berber Kramer of Zuzu Bike Shop and Mile Aid emerged victorious with a time of 01:53:30. Grace Kaviro of Kenyan Riders followed closely at 02:01:00, while Monica Jelimo clinched third place at 02:01:02.
The Kaptagat Cycling Challenge, supported and organized by the World Wide Fund for Nature – Kenya (WWF-Kenya) as a sport for conservation initiative in collaboration with the Kaptagat Integrated Conservation Programme (a Community-Based Organization), is set to become a significant event.
The race attracts elite cyclists from Kenya and around the globe, thanks to its unique blend of challenging terrain, high-altitude conditions, the causes linked to the race, and the prize money.
Speaking after his victory, Kagimu, who has been selected as part of the Ugandan Olympic team, said:
“Representing my country Uganda in the Olympics means a lot to me and Kenya is my home too because I train here in Kaptagat Forest. If someone did not plant the trees, we would not be cycling in a forest. So, I will do my bit and plant the trees.”
His countryman Lorot reiterated: “I am Ugandan by birth. I cycle off-road in Kaptagat because I stay near the forest. The race went well, and I managed to break away. I was so happy for the win. I am happy to cycle within the forest. It gives us good fresh air and good shade. Some trees act as windbreakers.”
Berber Kramer, the winner of the Elite and Veteran women’s category, added: “Cycling for forests is great. When you are on your bike, it is amazing to be in a forest and to go through it. To experience cycling in such a beautiful environment was amazing. During the race, I wanted to stop and take a picture. I even told the guy I was with, ‘Oh, I want to stop and take a picture.’ But of course, you are not going to stop in the middle of a race and take a picture. Fortunately, I had a chance to go back and enjoy the scenery. I enjoyed being in nature here.”
“Racing against some of the top riders made this event significant for me, especially in this ecosystem,” said Monica Jelimo, who also secured third place in the African Cross-Country Mountain Bike Championship.
“Planting trees, therefore, is my contribution to climate action, and racing in a place full of trees is amazing. You do not suffer as much, especially with the sun. I have raced in places with no trees, which is very different.”
Samuel Mwangi, the runner-up in the men’s para-cycling category, noted: “I was in second position in the para-cycling category, and the race meant a lot to me because we were recognized. The recognition is something outstanding and unique. I am very, very grateful. When you are out there, you feel like, okay, there is someone out there thinking about us. Some people know us and have recognized our ability. Because we have recognition in this category, more cyclists will show up. Even people with disabilities can show up and plant trees. You just show up and do it with love. It is within us to encourage the ladies to show up because we do not have many ladies in para-cycling.”
Gabriel Ambuko claimed victory in the category with a time of 01:56:26.
Confirming that the cycling race will be an annual event as part of the Kaptagat Forest restoration and livelihoods initiative, Joseph Lagat, the chair of the eighth edition of the Kaptagat tree-growing drive, noted, “The Cycling for Forests initiative can only get better with bigger rewards for talented cyclists. Our ambition is to partner with the Kenya Cycling Federation and Athletics Kenya to elevate the Kaptagat Cycling Challenge to a world-class level. We envision not only restoring our environment but also empowering professional cyclists within the forest ecosystem, across the nation and the world, enabling them to earn a livelihood from their sport, just like our renowned athletes. We are actively seeking further sponsors to boost the prize money and make this vision a reality.”
“The Kaptagat Cycling Challenge is a unique platform that blends environmental stewardship with athletic excellence. By showcasing the beauty and ecological significance of the Kaptagat forest, we aim to inspire both participants and spectators to become advocates for its conservation. The challenge also offers talented cyclists a chance to test their mettle on a demanding course, compete, and earn valuable prize money,” said Ciarán Fitzpatrick, Coach and Manager at INEOS Cycling Academy and Kenyan Riders Cycling Team.
Commending the sponsors, Kenya Cycling Federation Secretary General Charles Mose called for more investment and prioritization of the sport in the country, noting that “More training camps across Kenya will popularize cycling and encourage more Kenyans to take up the sport.”
The cycling challenge is a curtain-raiser for the 8th edition of the Annual Kaptagat Tree Growing Drive, an initiative led by Community Forest Associations in the Kaptagat Forest Block and the CBO, Kaptagat-ICP, whose patron is Dr Chris Kiptoo, the Principal Secretary for the National Treasury.
