Iten-based ‘Kenyan Riders’ were peerless at The Grand Nairobi Bike Race held at the KICC on Sunday.
Led by Evans Wangai, the team racked up the first four positions in the second edition of the race, dubbed Jubilee Live Free Race.
Paul Lumuria emerged the runner up prior to his wheel-to-wheel adroitness with his teammate Wangai while Salim Kipkemboi and John Kariuki settled for third and fourth respectively.
Wangai attested that the race was tough but teamwork is what saved the day. "The race was very tough with many experienced riders from across the region. Because of teamwork, we managed to break away," Wangai said.
He added that the course was really good but had a few technoicalities. "The course was good but somehow technical because of the corners, climbs and the soil," he said, adding that because they were competing on home soil, they were not going to let foreigners dominate.
The race was flagged off by Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja in the presence of Senator Edwin Sifuna and Women’s Representative Esther Passaris.
The mid-morning flag off took place outside the Governor’s office which is synonymous with the ceremonial start of East African Safari Rally editions of yore.
Sakaja noted that the cycling camaraderie goes to show the county’s commitment towards sports development and Nairobi as a sporting destination of choice.
Jubilee Insurance's Caroline Ndungu appreciated the commitment, input and support that stakeholders continue to extend in making the event a success.
She said: "We are celebrating 85 years of business success and legacy and our association with this event demonstrates the commitment we have as a business to the people and the region. The Jubilee Live Free Race is one of our flagship events that we are using to commemorate our 85th anniversary.”
Loise Wachira, the Nairobi Grand Bike Race director, noted: “Partnering with Jubilee Insurance gives an indication where we want the race to be in future. This partnership goes a long way in taking the race to the next level.”
The Jubilee Live Free Race 2022 brought together cyclists of all cadres including professional, recreational and children across competitive categories with the main race being curtain-raised by paracycling, black mambas, family fun ride and corporate teams.
The race was co-sponsored by Miti Alliance, Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA), Magical Kenya under the auspices of Kenya Cycling Federation.
