Kenyan cyclist Suleiman Kangangi dead after 59-mile race in Vermont

Kenyan bicycle owner Suleiman Kangangi died on the age of 33 years previous throughout a high-speed crash over the weekend in Vermont. 

Whereas competing within the 59-mile Vermont Overland race on Saturday, Kangangi fatally crashed whereas driving on the gravel street.

“Sule is our captain, good friend, brother. He’s additionally a father, husband and son. Gaping holes are left when large’s fall. Sule was an enormous,” his Workforce Amani stated in an announcement on social media. “As an alternative of main us on the entrance of the pack, he’ll now lead us as our guiding pole star as we press ahead within the realization of his dream.”

The race featured over 900 riders, competing on a 59-mile observe with an extra 7,000 ft of climbing. The competitors happened within the Vermont city of West Windsor. 

Kangangi additionally obtained a tribute from Rachel Ruto, the spouse of the Kenyan president-elect William Ruto, who supplied her condolences to the athlete’s household and family members. 

“My heartfelt condolences to his household, and the whole biking group, that has misplaced a proficient bicycle owner, a mentor and a good friend,” she stated. “We’ll all miss him as a person. Kenya has misplaced a champion. Relaxation in peace Sule.”

Kangangi has competed everywhere in the world as a famend bicycle owner. From 2016 till 2020, Kangangi competed with Bike Support, throughout which he completed third within the 2017 Tour du Rwanda. Extra not too long ago, he competed within the Migration Gravel Race in Kenya final yr with cyclists corresponding to Ian Boswell and Lauren ten Dam. 

“Vermont Overland is heartbroken by the tragic loss of life of Suleiman ‘Sule’ Kangangi throughout The Overland yesterday,” stated the proprietor of the Vermont Overland, Ansel Dickey, in an announcement. “He was a sort good friend and an inspiring and heroic athlete to his teammates and the gravel biking group at massive. We lengthen our deepest sympathies to his household, his associates, Workforce Amani, and the individuals of Kenya who’re mourning his loss in the present day.”