The development of cycling in Kenya has stagnated over the years due to lack of proper leadership, talent management and a list of other grievances that makes many wonder why the Kenya Cycling Federation are still in office. But today wasn’t a day to focus on these. It was a day to celebrate the best Kenyan talent at the Koffee Trophee.

Set up as a race to expose upcoming talent, the Trophee saw participation of teams from different parts of the country, as well as individual enthusiasts who were here for the love of the sport and a great day away from Nairobi.

Taking riders across coffee farms and through villages in Murang’a County, the Trophee had a great mix of single track, open road and technical sections, and as many riders testified at the finish line, some of the most scenic routes of a mountain bike race.

The top prize was clinched by Samson Gichuru who clocked 1:13:15 to take home Kshs50,000/-, followed by Davis Kinuthia 1:13:34 and John Njenga 1:14:30. In the women’s category, Joyce Nyaruri was the first across the line in 1:24:36 and took home Kshs30,000/- followed by Joyce Mwangi 1:28:19 and Velma Kiome 1:37:38. For the juniors, James Karanja proved he is the man to beat in the future, riding in at 1:18:42, followed closely by Kenneth Karaya in 1:18:46 and Joseph Kimathi in 1:19:10.

The prize money was the largest purse for a local race and was made possible by the generous team from Goshen Acquisitions. The event was also supported by Keringet, Bonk, Mostaza Films, Xado, USN and Click Pictureworks Africa.

Junior category winner James Karanja poses with a canvas print of his mentor and trainer David Kinjah which he won at the Koffee Trophee. Click gave a canvas print of choice to each category winner.

Check out more photos here and here.