Tourism industry players in Naivasha have committed to holding an annual cycling competition that will help tap and nurture local and international cycling professionals.
Dubbed Enashipai Wild Ride Mountain Bike Cycling, the competition seeks to position and cement Naivasha as a key cycling destination of choice, offering scenic views of roaming wild animals and mountains along its routes.
With the inaugural competition attracting over 100 cyclists and hundreds of enthusiasts, Enashipai Resort Director and organizer Wanjeri Mahiti said the sector players seek to grow the racing and cycling culture to an international level.
“We are in consultation with the Kenya Cycling Race Series organizers to make the Wild Ride Mountain Bike Cycling Challenge an annual event to be held in Naivasha”, Said Ms. Mahiti.
Mahiti said the cyclists peddled through the challenging course routes home to the just concluded World Rally Championships [WRC] Safari Rally circuits in Kedong Ranch, which was a key memorable moment.
“Next year, we seek to double the number of competitors and, in five years, attract over 1,000 local and international cyclists and hundreds of fans”, said Mahiti.
Mahiti said the competition, which is open to both amateur and elite cyclists, also seeks to promote good mental health and physical wellbeing by maintaining active lifestyles.
Mahiti said the competition will nurture a culture of cycling among young people, which is a key contribution to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals of enhancing mobility in urban areas.
According to Kenneth Karaya, a participant, the competition will help nurture local talents among the youth and develop their skills into a career-earning venture.
Karaya, who competed in the 50-kilometer elite race, said the Naivasha course offers a unique experience due to its challenging terrain as well as offering rare scenic views of roaming wild animals along the routes.
Another cyclist, Troy Barrie, a Canadian, said the competition will help develop local talents and build their experience to enable them to compete in international races as a career-earning venture.
Barrie said that aside from earning awards, cycling helps boost one’s health and well-being, promotes happiness, and eases mobility in congested urban areas.
On her part, Catherine Kariuki said the competition presents a better platform for local cycling enthusiasts to develop their skills through different terrains and build a career out of racing.
Ms. Kariuki, who is set to compete internationally, said she seeks to use her platform to motivate other young girls to join the cycling world, which currently has few members.
By Erastus Gichohi
