- Kangangi was competing in the Overland Gravel race in Vermont
- He sustained fatal injuries after a high-speed crush
- He had represented Kenya at the 2014 and 2018 Commonwealth Games
Kenyan cyclist Suleiman Kangangi has passed away after sustaining fatal injuries from a high speed crush as he competed in a cycling event in the United States over the weekend.
Kangangi, who was commonly known as Sule by his friends was competing for his Team Amani at the Overland gravel race in Vermont, which comprises approximately 7000ft of ascent of a 59-mile dirt road.
“Vermont Overland is completely heartbroken. We extend our deepest sympathies to his family, his friends, Team Amani, and the people of Kenya,” a statement from race organizer Ansel Dickey stated.
“Sule is our captain, friend, brother. He is also a father, husband and son. 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 realization of his dream,” a statement from his team read.
The 33-year old has been celebrated by many in the cycling fraternity, among them Rachel Ruto, the wife to President-Elect William Ruto, who is also a cycling enthusiast.
-Mrs Ruto mourns Mwangangi-
Mama Rachel Ruto with the late Mwangangi. PHOTO/Mama rachel Ruto/Twitter
“It is with shock that I have received the sad news that @sulekangangi passed away after a tragic crash in the United States. My heartfelt condolences to his family, and the entire cycling community, that has lost a talented cyclist, a mentor and a friend. We will all miss him as an individual. Kenya has lost a champion. Rest in peace Sule,” Mrs Ruto posted on her official twitter page.
The National Olympic Committee of Kenya also sent a statement, eulogizing the cyclist.
“A very progressive cyclist with many firsts, Sule has met his demise on the line of duty in the US Vermont Overland Gravel Race. We note that he was already making a huge impact on the national cycling map after his pioneering work to organize the inaugural Migration Gravel Race last year in Masai Mara alongside seeking to create racing opportunities for young cyclists under his Amani Project,” NOCK said in a statement.
It added; “His decade’s work and accomplishments may have dimmed with his sudden death but we are confident that the foundation and inspiration he established will be a lasting legacy in this sport.”
Kenya Cycling Federation chair Julius Mwangi told Capital Sports: “He was a good boy. He is someone I have interacted with, stayed with and went to international competitions with him. This is a big loss to us as the cycling community as well as the country. He was a humble and good kid who was always working hard.” Mwangi said.
A top cyclist in Kenya-
Kangangi was one of the top cyclists in Kenya, having represented the country at the 2014 and 2018 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow and Gold Coast as well as 2019 All Africa Games in Rabat, Morocco.
He also finished third at the 2017 Tour of Rwanda and was originally signed to German-based Bike Aid before he switched allegiance to Team Amani, where he specialized in gravel racing.
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