Dylan Bettencourt
Kenyan cyclist Suleiman Kangangi has died following a high-speed accident in a race that took place in the United States on Saturday.
The 33-year-old wore the colours of Team Amani during the Overland gravel race in Vermont, which includes a 90 km dirt road and close to 7,000 ft of climbing.
“Sule is our captain, friend, brother. He is also a father, husband and son,” the team said in a statement.
“Gaping holes are left when giants 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 realisation of his dream.”
Kangangi made a name for himself finishing third during the Tour of Rwanda back in 2017 before he made the switch to gravel racing.
The goal of the Kenyan racing team Amani is to “support the development of young East African cyclists” from Rwanda, Uganda and Kenya.
“My heartfelt condolences to his family, and the entire cycling community, that has lost a talented cyclist, a mentor and a friend,” Rachel Ruto, the wife of president-elect William Ruto of Kenya, wrote on Twitter.
“We will all miss him as an individual. Kenya has lost a champion. Rest in peace Sule.”
Close to 1,000 cyclists took part in the event on Saturday, which was ultimately won by Amani’s John Kariuki with his teammate Jordan Schlek taking the bronze medal.
“Vermont Overland is completely heartbroken,” its organiser, Ansel Dickey, said in a statement.
“We extend our deepest sympathies to his family, his friends, Team Amani, and the people of Kenya.”
Image source: Facebook
