This archive report was first published on 1 December 2019.
On Sunday, December 1, 2019, the first Grand Nairobi Bike race brought together 400 participants, including Ugandan cyclist Jordan Schlek, who emerged victorious in the individual professional category.
The race, which started and ended at Uhuru Gardens along Lang'ata Road in Nairobi, covered 55 kilometres. Schlek's win earned him Sh70,000 in prize money.
Kenyan cyclists Geoffrey Lang'at and Niels Vander-Pilj finished second and third, respectively, taking home Sh50,000 and Sh30,000 in prize money.
According to Schlek, "We had a great time preparing for this challenge and despite the rain threatening to ruin our plans, I’m glad the roads were still suitable for the competition and the large number of enthusiasts also gave us motivation throughout the race. We hope to get better with every race and get to compete internationally."
Joyce Nyari won the women’s race, followed by Nancy Akinyi and Mercy Fewende, who were awarded Sh70,000, Sh50,000, and Sh30,000, respectively.
In the teams category, Velo Nos ALP company and African Logistic Properties company took first and second place, while the Black Mamba team came in third. James Ndung'u, the male winner of the Black Mamba team, said it was great exposure to compete with professionals from all over the country and getting knowledge on how to conserve forests at an individual level.
The total prize fund in the race was Sh500,000, with Sh300,000 shared among individual competitors and Sh200,000 going to winning teams.
The first race was a family fun race, with professional and amateur cyclists participating in a fun 11km one-lap race. The professional race covered the 11km course five times, while those competing on Black Mamba bicycles covered a 22km course twice.
The race aimed to raise funds to improve forest cover in the country. The next event in the series, dubbed ‘Tour to Machakos’, will be held from December 12 to 15.
The race was organised by Exigent Limited, a race timing solutions provider. Nick Lancford from Exigent Limited said they chose cycling to spread the message of environmental conservation because it is one of the fastest growing sports in the country.
