Pedaling to Glory: Monica Jelimo’s Rise in Kenyan Cycling

In the high-altitude town of Iten, best known for producing elite runners, a new kind of athlete is emerging. Monica Jelimo, 25, is part of a growing movement of women in Kenyan cycling who are blazing trails and breaking barriers. From a casual Sunday ride in 2022 to standing on international podiums, her journey is a powerful testament to resilience and ambition on two wheels.

The Evolution of Women’s Cycling in Kenya

Between the 1950s and 1990s, bicycles served primarily as practical tools for Kenyan women—used for daily errands, commuting, and transporting goods to markets. Cycling was a necessity, not a sport, and the presence of women in Kenyan cycling had not yet taken root as a formal discipline.

Fast forward to today, trailblazers like Gladys Chelagat and Veer Sendeyo have redefined the history books. By conquering the grueling courses of the Magical Kenya Mountain & Trail Series, they’ve shattered limits, showcased extraordinary endurance, and catapulted both their names—and Kenya—into the global spotlight of elite competitive cycling.

A Star in The Making

While Nairobi’s cycling culture continues to grow, we journey today to Eldoret, a town renowned for producing world-class athletes, to spotlight the inspiring story of Monica Jelimo, a rising star in Kenyan cycling.

At just 25 years old, Monica is based in Iten and rides for the Black Mamba Development Scale team. Though she only began cycling in 2022, her rise has been nothing short of remarkable. She has quickly become a formidable competitor in East Africa’s cycling scene, excelling in mountain biking and endurance races, and consistently landing on podiums in national and international competitions.

Monica’s cycling journey began when friends invited her to join a Sunday group ride of about 30 riders, only three of whom were women. One day, a friend shared a race poster with her, and despite being a first-time racer, Monica finished third overall. That single experience ignited a spark within her. Encouraged by the result, she began participating in more races and became serious about the sport.

Persistence

Through these group rides, she discovered the Kenya Riders Team, a prominent cycling group based in Iten. She approached their coach, hoping to join, but was turned down simply because the team was not accepting female cyclists at the time. Instead of being discouraged, Monica kept pushing herself. One day, after completing a gruelling six-hour solo ride, the same coach noticed her determination and handed her a training program.

In 2022, she committed to that program and began racing more frequently, gaining exposure and eventually receiving support. As the country emerged from the pandemic, Monica became the only female cyclist from Iten actively competing, a status that came with both recognition and criticism.

“People would say I would not be able to have children because I ride a bike,” she shares. “But I ignored the negative talk and stayed true to myself.”

Her parents were initially concerned too, urging her to focus on education and job security. But their perspective shifted when Monica was selected to represent Kenya at the Burundi Women’s Race in 2022, a proud moment that validated her choice.

Monica’s training in Iten, known for its challenging terrain and favourable climate, has played a major role in shaping her strength and endurance. She was the top Kenyan finisher at the 2024 African Road Cycling Championships, emerging 12th overall in the 104 KM elite women’s road race. She also emerged as the overall women’s winner at the 2024 Jubilee Live Free Race, competing against more than 2,000 cyclists from Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, and beyond.

Breaking Barriers

Beyond personal success, Monica takes pride in how her presence has inspired other young women from Iten to get involved in the sport. She notes the growing number of female riders and the important role the Amani Team has played in building unity and support between male and female cyclists in the region.

Still, she recognizes the challenges: limited representation of women in competitive cycling, fewer opportunities, and unequal prize money. “Frequent women’s races and equal pay would change the game,” she says.

Monica is also an advocate for environmental sustainability. She participated in the Kaptagat Cycling Challenge, an event promoting tree planting and climate awareness. As one of the rising voices among women in Kenyan cycling, she champions cycling as an eco-friendly sport and emphasizes the benefits of racing in green, shaded environments.

Looking ahead to the UCI Road World Championships scheduled for September in Kigali, Rwanda, Monica expresses her excitement. “It is amazing to see Africa getting this recognition,” she says. “Most of us do not get the chance to compete in European races due to finances or visa denials. Having this in our region gives more African riders the chance to compete and be seen.”

Monica openly discusses the hurdles she continues to face—financial strain, lack of visibility for new riders, visa challenges for solo athletes, and the difficulties of training during her menstrual cycle. “Being in a team helps a lot with travel and sponsorship, which solo riders miss out on,” she notes.

Her proudest moments include winning bronze at the 2024 African Championships and finishing second overall in the 5-day Burundi Tour, both major milestones in her young but impactful career.

To other girls and young women, Monica’s message is clear: “Believe in yourself. Do not let challenges or negative whispers stop you. I am here to be part of your journey. Women in Kenya have pedaled a powerful evolution—from household errands on two wheels to silver medals and leadership in cycling culture. Their journey reflects resilience, solidarity, and a vision for a more inclusive and empowered future—one ride at a time.” Her story adds to the growing legacy of women in Kenyan cycling, showing just how far determination and visibility can take a new generation of riders.

Monica Jelimo is not just chasing medals, she is driving change. Through her strength, resilience, and advocacy, she is paving the way for a new generation of female cyclists in Kenya and beyond.

Edited by “Pius Okore”