Kenya, neighbouring Uganda share bragging rights at Nairobi inaugural elite cycling contest

The bragging rights at the inaugural edition of the Jubilee Insurance-Live Free Race were shared between hosts Kenya and neighbours Uganda in the Elite Category with home cyclist Evans Wangari clinching the Men’s run while Maria Natongo took the ladies event in the 80-kilometer loop race held in Nairobi City.

Speaking during the prize-giving ceremony, Jubilee Insurance Holdings Chairman Nirzar Juma who was accompanied by Group CEO Julius Kipngetich stated: “We are happy with the turnout and importantly with the idea behind the project which is all about wellness. We will obviously be looking at ways of making this event bigger for the coming years.”

Organized by Grand Nairobi Bike Race, the event that had major roads of the Central Business District and outskirts closed for a large part of the day lived up to its billing with close to 1200 riders from Kenya, Uganda, South Africa, Eritrea Burundi and Rwanda taking part in at least seven categories.

A further 1,000 non-cyclists and fans were present to cheer on the competing teams in an event that had Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna and Nairobi Woman Representative Esther Passaris as joint Guests of Honor.

In the Elite Men’s Race, Wangari who also took home a cash token of Sh 120,000 for his heroics was closely tracked down the finish line by Paul Lonsiya of Uganda and Kenyan counterpart Salim Kipkemboi who won Sh 100,000 and Sh 80,000 respectively. Charles Kagimu finished fourth to pocket Sh 40,000.

In the Women’s Elite Run, Ugandan Nancy Adebe clinched top spot after a gruelling long run with a token of Sh 120,000 as a cash prize for her glory. Home rider Julia Miringu was second picking Sh 100,000 with South African Berber Kramer emerging third and for her troubles took home Sh 80,000 with fourth placed Maria Natongo of Uganda going home with a cash prize of Sh 40,000.

Meanwhile, in the Team Category, Team Abayomi Velonos took the first spot winning Sh 100,000 ahead of Pedal Power who took home Sh 80,000 and Team Joy Riders who had Sh 70,000 in the bag after an equally exciting race in the City. In the men’s and Women’s Under 23 categories, Shafik Mugalu and Monica Jelome took first place in both men and women’s class with Davidson Kamau taking home Sh 50,000 for clinching the Mens veteran class.