Schleck, Aleper seal Loop Gravel glory at Vipingo

The Ugandan duo of Jordan Schleck and Mary Aleper have credited adequate preparations for their resounding title defence at the Loop Safari Gravel series during the final leg of the 2025 circuit at the Vipingo ridge over the weekend.

‎‎Schleck, 22, tamed the scorching coastal heat and rugged terrain to stop the clock at 4:28:47, beating compatriot Lawrence Lorot (4:40:03) and Kenya’s Kenneth Karaya (4:45:00), who placed second and third, respectively. Despite the victory, Schleck highlighted the gruelling terrain he had to overcome.

‎‎“It was not an easy outing. The terrain was very tough, but I am very happy to have won today to defend my title in this leg."

‎‎He, however, noted that he tends to thrive well in tough conditions. ‎"I thrive well in sunny places, so I knew I had all it takes to win the race because I have been training well,” Schleck said.  The victory marked Schleck’s fifth triumph in eight races since the series’ inception last year, adding to his two wins in 2024 and three this season. 

‎‎His only blemish this year came in Naivasha in June, where he finished fifth. ‎Aleper was equally in top form in the women’s contest, powering home in 5:48:46 to defend her crown ahead of Grace Kaviro (5:51:09) and Kendra Masiga (6:40:32). ‎Aleper credited her intense preparations for her resounding victory in Vipingo.

‎‎“I am happy to have defended my title at Vipingo. It was not an easy course, but I had prepared well for it," she said.

‎‎She highlighted that her third and fifth-place finishes in Tatu City and Machakos fueled her ambitions in Vipingo.

‎‎"After finishing third in Tatu City and fifth in Machakos, I knew that I had to train more to win in Vipingo. It’s humbling to come all the way from Uganda and win,” Aleper said.  ‎For their exploits, Schleck and Aleper pocketed Sh20,000 each.

‎Podium finishers in the 120km race also received prize money, with the second and third finishers pocketing Sh15,000 and Sh10,000. ‎The fourth and fifth finishers got Sh7,000 and Sh5,000.

‎‎In the team category, Black Mamba swept the honours with a Sh125,000 cheque, while Ariy Finergy Solar Vortex and Joy Riders clinched second and third, bagging Sh100,000 and Sh70,000, respectively.

‎‎LOOP Digital Financial Services CEO Eric Muriuki hailed the growing stature of the series, noting its impact beyond Kenya’s borders.

‎‎“Today we celebrate not only the champions of the Vipingo leg, but the success of an entire season that has been a big success."

‎‎"We have seen the number of participants grow from the previous edition. Undoubtedly, we are helping change the outlook of cycling, not just in Kenya but across the region, as we have seen increased participation by cyclists from the neighbouring countries. Congratulations to the winners today," he said.

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