After one of their own, Suleiman Kangangi, passed away in the US, the cycling community in Kenya has been rocked by grief.
On Saturday in Vermont, Kangangi tragically perished during the Overland gravel race. The Kenyan took part in the event until his tragic passing.
His team Amani mourned their late star in a statement.
Sule is our captain, friend and brother. He is also a father, husband and son. Gaping holes are left when giants fall. Sule was a giant.
Before his death, Kangangi was the Kenya Riders captain, which is the national team. The Standard reports that he represented the country in numerous races, including the All Africa Games and the Commonwealth Games.
Cycling Kenya Federation confirmed the incident and condoled the family.
Kenya has lost one of the best cyclists to ever fly the Kenyan flag for cycling. Our heartfelt condolences and prayers to the family of Suleiman Kangangi and the enitire cycling community. Safiri salama ndugu.
Veteran Sports journalist Carol Radull tweeted,
Our heartfelt condolences to the friends and family of Kenyan Cyclist Suleiman Kangangi, who died in a crash on Saturday while competing in a gravel race in Vermont, USA.
The death of Kenyan cyclist Suleiman Kangangi is a huge loss to the cycling community in Kenya & to the continent as a whole.
Those who interacted with Kangangi will tell you he never gave up, even when all odds were stacked against him. May his soul Rest In Peace