Wheels Of Change

Before cycling found its rhythm on Kenyan roads, it battled invisibility, poor infrastructure, and a lack of support. But through grit and passion, riders like Vincent Chege are shifting gears—transforming a once-overlooked sport into a movement of resilience and ambition. His journey reflects a growing momentum that could make Kenya a cycling powerhouse.

While Kenya rose to global prominence in long-distance running, cycling remained largely in the shadows. The sport received minimal attention and investment. While a few local races and passionate enthusiasts kept the spirit alive, its competitive growth was hindered by inadequate infrastructure and limited professional support.

In the 1990s and early 2000s, a few dedicated individuals and small cycling clubs began laying the groundwork for the sport’s revival. Local races and community rides gradually began to take shape, but cycling remained a niche pursuit—constrained by unsafe roads, scarce funding, and minimal media coverage.

The 2010s marked a significant turning point. With rising global interest in cycling, increased internet access, and growing urban congestion, a shift began. Cycling in Kenya has started to be recognised not just as a sport but also as a sustainable and practical mode of transportation.

Pioneering Kenyan cyclists like Vincent Chege, Kennedy ‘Savannah’ Otieno, and the late Sule Kangangi began gaining international recognition, particularly in ultra-endurance and gravel racing. Their success brought new visibility to the sport and showcased Kenya’s potential on the world stage.

Pedals in Motion

Nairobi, Kenya’s vibrant capital, is fast becoming a hub for a dynamic cycling culture that merges urban commuting, recreational biking, and competitive sports. The city’s streets hum with excitement during monthly community rides organised by Critical Mass Nairobi—a grassroots cycling movement committed to sustainable mobility, road safety advocacy, and cultivating a strong biking community.

Since its inception in 2014, Critical Mass Nairobi has grown into a thriving network of enthusiasts, urban mobility advocates, and everyday citizens who envision a greener, healthier, and more connected city. As this momentum builds, one cyclist stands out as both a symbol and a catalyst of this movement—Vincent Chege.

Vincent is a professional cyclist and sponsored rider with Giant Kenya, supported by Bikes and Gear.net. With over 17 years of experience, he has proudly represented Kenya on local and international platforms. His journey began in a rural village where he first learned to ride.

“I was fortunate to have a bike back in the village,” Vincent shares. “That is where it all started for me.” Becoming a professional cyclist, however, demands unwavering discipline and focus. For him, motivation stems from personal goals and an inner drive to succeed. His training regime is intense—spending up to six hours a day on his bike. While the journey has been tough on him and his family, his ambition to reach the top keeps him going.

Continental Milestones

Earlier this year, Vincent returned to Rwanda to race in the 1000 km ultra-endurance race—an event he won in 2024. “You have to be fully self-sufficient out there,” he says. “It is mentally and physically gruelling.”

Despite mechanical setbacks that affected his performance, he still secured a sixth-place finish. He emphasised the importance of preparation, mental resilience, and physical fitness in tackling such demanding events.

Vincent has witnessed firsthand how far Kenya’s cycling culture has come. “Years ago, I would go riding and barely see another cyclist. Now, you meet so many on the road—it is truly inspiring.”

He urges more Kenyans to embrace cycling—not just competitively but also for recreation, commuting, and fitness. The upcoming UCI Road World Championships, set for September 23–28 in Kigali, Rwanda, mark a historic milestone as the first of its kind in Africa. Vincent sees it as a monumental opportunity.

“Getting visas for international races is often a huge challenge for African cyclists,” he says. “Now, with the event happening on our continent, it gives us a rare chance to compete on the world stage.”

David Carroll, Vincent’s sponsor and founder of C Power Consulting and Bikes and Gear.net, has also observed the growing enthusiasm for cycling in Kenya. “Access to equipment has improved significantly,” David notes. “But we still need more involvement from corporates to fund athletes, create opportunities, and elevate the sport.”

Vincent agrees and highlights the critical need for more sponsorship—especially for travel, accommodation, and race logistics. “Cycling is an expensive sport,” he explains. “Support from sponsors and well-wishers is vital if we are going to compete seriously, locally and internationally.”

He also advocates for more respectful road-sharing, reminding drivers that cyclists are not obstacles but part of the solution. Every person on a bike, he notes, means one less car on the road. It is also a healthier, more sustainable choice for everyone.”

Vincent concludes with a powerful reminder: everyone has a right to the road. As cycling gains momentum across Kenya and the continent, it emerges as a symbol of resilience, opportunity, and untapped potential. The path ahead is promising—and with trailblazers like Vincent Chege at the forefront, the future of African cycling shines bright. With sustained support, improved infrastructure, and strategic investment, Kenya could well become a cycling powerhouse—just as it once rose to dominance in athletics.

Edited by “Pius Okore”