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United States >> 2026 UCI Gran Fondo World Series >> Nyirarukundo and Lorot Triumph at the 2026 UCI Safari Gravel Race Hell’s Gate
 
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Claudette Nyirarukundo and Lawrence Lorot Triumph at the 2026 UCI Safari Gravel Race Hell’s Gate

Claudette Nyirarukundo of Rwanda and Uganda’s Lawrence Lorot delivered electrifying, photo-finish victories at the 2026 UCI Safari Gravel Race Hell’s Gate, the second leg of the LOOP Safari Gravel Series. More than 1,000 riders from across East Africa and beyond took on the rugged Rift Valley terrain in one of the most dramatic editions to date.

Claudette Nyirarukundo and Lawrence Lorot Triumph at the 2026 UCI Safari Gravel Race Hell’s Gate

Hell’s Gate National Park, Kenya — 14 June 2026 — Set against the volcanic cliffs, wide-open plains and wildlife corridors of Hell’s Gate National Park, the event showcased the raw beauty and altitude-driven challenge of Kenya’s highlands. Riders battled through a demanding 110 km Gravelfondo featuring 2,500 metres of climbing, while the 60 km Medio route offered over 1,000 metres of elevation for age-group competitors. The course’s highest point — 2,214 metres — was reached at kilometre 43 before a fast, technical descent back toward the valley floor.

Team Amani dominated the day, sweeping the entire men’s podium and securing the women’s victory in a showcase of tactical precision and sheer power. In the elite men’s 100 km race, 21-year-old Lawrence Lorot surged to victory in 3:29:04, edging teammate Stanley Ngugi by a single second, with Ivan Kipruto completing the all-Amani podium in 3:29:22. “It was a brutal pace, and you could feel the tension every kilometer,” Lorot said. “In the last few hundred meters, I just gave everything I had. Those one-second margins are what make racing special. I’ve been racing more on the road, and I’m just getting into gravel — I look forward to more wins on this terrain.”

Rwanda’s Claudette Nyirarukundo delivered an equally dramatic finish in the women’s 100 km, winning in 4:16:52 and narrowly defeating Germany’s Sarah Diekmeyer by one second. Austria’s Theresa Rindler secured third in 4:27:23. “The race was everything I hoped for and more — fast, tactical, unpredictable,” Nyirarukundo said. “We rode as a tight group for most of the day, and it came down to pure determination at the finish. I was second here last year, so stepping onto the top step feels incredible.”

In the 60 km Medio Gravelfondo, Michael Matindi claimed the men’s win in 2:16:18, followed closely by Ravan Ngugi (2:16:19) and Kelvin Kamore (2:32:44). The women’s 60 km saw Jacinta Wanjiru take a commanding victory in 3:01:24, ahead of Marit Luijckx (3:18:11) and Faith Kangichu (3:42:21).

The 2026 UCI Safari Gravel Race once again cemented Hell’s Gate as one of Africa’s most spectacular and demanding gravel racing venues — a proving ground where altitude, terrain and tactical racing converge.

2026 Safari Gravel Race – Hell's Gate (100 KM) Top 10 Men
 
1 Lawrence Lorot, Black Mamba Development Squad, 03:29:04
2 Stanley Ngugi, Black Mamba Development Squad, 03:29:05
3 Ivan Kipruto, Black Mamba Development Squad, 03:29:22
4 Jordan Schleck, Canyon ATR, 03:31:19
5 Benard Benard, Black Mamba Development Squad, 03:32:42
6 John Mushiri, Black Mamba Development Squad, 03:37:00
7 Daniel Kiptala, Black Mamba Development Squad, 03:41:28
8 Paul Miiro, Black Mamba Development Squad, 03:42:16
9 Thijs Zuurbier, No Team / Individual, 03:44:47
10 Kenneth Karaya Karaya, Giant Gigiri, 03:45:28
 
2026 Safari Gravel Race – Hell’s Gate (60 KM) Top 10 Men
 
1. Michael Matindi, Joy Riders, 02:16:18
2. Ravan Ngugi, No Team / Individual, 02:16:19
3. Kelvin Kamore, Joy Riders, 02:32:44
4. Edwin Wangui, Flamingo Farm Cycling Team, 02:42:44
5. Joseph Njenga, Skaters, 02:43:25
6. Ambrose Kimathi, Nyeri Spinners, 02:44:44
7. Henrik Elschner Pedersen, Zuzu Bike Shop, 02:45:29
8. Eric Nesbitt, RVO Racing, 02:46:50
9. Sammy Chege, Allstar Bike Shop, 02:47:54
10. Derrick Williams, No Team / Individual, 02:49:11
 
Link to results: https://sporthive.com/events/s/d4da9477-f2e4-4f32-a84b-6b15942306af
 
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