The first edition of a new UCI gravel race in Kenya featured an international peloton tackling the 100km course in Hell’s Gate National Park, Naivasha. The course also offered a shorter 60km option, allowing mostly local riders to compete on a shorter distance while older riders could qualify here.
In the men’s race, a fierce battle unfolded among Dutch, German, American and Belgian riders. Hans Becking (NED) ultimately created a 4-minute gap over Lukas Baum (GER) with a strong second half. Chad Haga (USA), recently runner-up in the Unbound event, secured third place, finishing 13 minutes behind. Lawrence Naesen (BEL) took fourth, and Jordan Schleck, the first African rider, from neighboring Uganda, finished fifth.
In the women’s race, Maddy Nutt (GBR) delivered an impressive performance, finishing 2 minutes ahead of Xaveline Nirere (RWA). Amity Rockwell (USA) claimed third place, 11 minutes behind the leader.
In the 60km race, Kenyan men dominated the top four spots, with Cancan Rutto taking the win, while Austrian Franziska Hagen secured the women’s victory. In the categories qualifying for the World Championships, Hannes Krivetz from Austria and Alexandra Meijer from Switzerland took the win in their respective age groups.
