CYCLISM: Kenya Mourns the Death of Sule Kangangi a Top Cyclist

Kenyan cycling has been dealt a major setback following news of death of cyclist Sule Kangangi who perished in a crash on Saturday while competing in a gravel race in Vermont, United States of America. By Maxwell Wasike

According to the organisers of the Overland gravel race in Vermont, the 33-year-old passed away while riding at high speed in the Vermont Overland race when he crashed.

Kenyan-born Briton and four-time Tour de France champion Chris Froome was one of the first elite cyclists to react to the news describing Kangangi’s death as « heartbreaking ».

Team Amani which Kangangi belonged paid the best tribute to a fallen hero who finished third in the 2017 Tour du Rwanda, before transitioning into gravel racing.

« Sule is our captain, friend, brother. He is also a father, husband, and son. Gaping holes are left when giant’s fall. Sule was a giant. Instead of leading us at the front of the pack, he will now lead us as our guiding pole star as we press forward in the realization of his dream. »

The team consists of riders from Rwanda, Kenya and Uganda. Kangangi was active in growing cycling in Kenya and hosted clinics and school events around Nairobi.

« Sule is our captain, friend, brother. He is also a father, husband, and son. Gaping holes are left when giant’s fall. Sule was a giant. Instead of leading us at the front of the pack, he will now lead us as our guiding pole star as we press forward in the realization of his dream. »

The team consists of riders from Rwanda, Kenya and Uganda. Kangangi was active in growing cycling in Kenya and hosted clinics and school events around Nairobi.

The Vermont Overland is a 59-mile dirt road bicycle race that includes nearly 7,000 feet of climbing, according to the race’s website. About 900 cyclists were competing on Saturday.