Listen to Kenyan legend David Kinjah share his exclusive cycling race experiences

    The “MT KENYA EPIK Conquer the Kenyan Mountains” cycling race has just concluded, with the duo team consisting of Kenyan riders Joseph Echuwa and Samwel Mwangi ultimately winning the 4-day, 300km race in a time of 10 hours, 31 minutes and 05 seconds. This race not only attracted participants from Kenya and other African countries, but also drew competitors from as far away as Norway and Japan.

    Co-founder of the event, David Kinjah, also took the opportunity to share his exclusive cycling race insights with cycling enthusiasts around the world. A legendary figure in the cycling world who once trained Tour de France champion Chris Froome, David founded the “MT KENYA EPIK Conquer the Kenyan Mountains” race to encourage riders to continually challenge their personal limits during the journey.

    The “MT KENYA EPIK Conquer the Kenyan Mountains” was organized by Africa Extreme, a company focused on outdoor adventures. According to Julie Wahome, head of the company, they organized this event to raise awareness of mountain biking both in Kenya and internationally, and to provide a platform for addressing environmental issues around Mount Kenya. The event includes both cycling and running segments, with four stages spread over four days. The race kicked off on November 21st, with the cycling portion starting at Naro Moru River Lodge, 150km north of Kenya’s capital, Nairobi.

    Check out these 5 top cycling race tips shared by David Kinjah for cycling enthusiasts:

    Cycling is getting more and more popular in Kenya, with plenty of fans for both road cycling and off-road biking. My advice is to go for mountain biking, where riders can truly immerse themselves in nature.

    Cycling in Kenya takes you through valleys or highlands typically above 2,000 meters in altitude. Riding for extended periods at high altitudes and on hard terrain can be exhausting even for the most fearless cyclists. It’s not just a physical challenge, but also a test of willpower. Stay calm about each day’s stage and learn to break them down into smaller, manageable sections, conquering each one before moving on to complete the race.

    Even while cycling, don’t forget to enjoy the views. This is especially true for the “MT KENYA EPIK Conquer the Kenyan Mountains” race, where the entire route across Kenya is filled with stunning landscapes. The majestic Mount Kenya can even help momentarily distract you from physical fatigue. The race also passes through villages nestled on the Kenyan slopes—try chatting with locals, but be cautious of animals such as dogs, donkeys, chickens, or goats that might cross your path.

That’s Africa for you—you never know what unexpected situations you might encounter.

    A little preparation goes a long way in making your race smoother. Wearing comfortable clothing is essential. If you wear too much, you’ll sweat more and need to stop at aid stations more often, slowing you down; or if you’re caught in the rain without a waterproof jacket, your clothes will absorb water and become heavier, hindering your performance.

    Pay attention to your food choices during the race—a good appetite is essential to finishing. Cycling demands a significant amount of energy, possibly more than your body is used to, so it's crucial that the food you consume provides enough fuel. Before the race officially starts, make sure you’ve eaten foods rich in energy and carbohydrates. During the race, be sure to take energy drinks, bananas, and honey, and after finishing, continue replenishing with recovery drinks to help repair muscle damage.

    Riding with others can offer you support along the way and give you the courage to venture into unknown areas you might not tackle alone. The “MT KENYA EPIK Conquer the Kenyan Mountains” race requires participants to ride in pairs, so choosing a teammate who is smart and can encourage each other is vital. Good communication should continue throughout the race, helping you assess whether you’re hitting your limits. In addition to the physical challenges posed by the terrain, there may also be threats from wildlife, so it’s especially important to know and remember the rules explained by wildlife rangers—after all, animals have their own ways of surviving.