Mount Kenya Epik 2020 cancelled

The Mount Kenya Epik, co-founded by legendary Kenya cyclist David Kinjah, has been cancelled for the year and the next race will be held in 2021, according to a press release from organisers.

“Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the organisers of the Mt Kenya MTB Tour have decided to postpone this annual event initially scheduled for 28th to 31st August 2020 until 2021. We will circulate the new dates in due course,” a statement released by the organisers read.

The event, known locally as the Epik, was started by Kinjah and Kenyan runner, Douglas Wakiihuri as a five-day stage race that traverses the slopes of Mount Kenya. Alongside the Rift Valley Odyssey, the race is just one of a growing number of Kenyan cycling events that are attracting both local and international riders and attention.

Other races arranged by the event organisers, including the Githunguri Challenge, slated for September 26, and the Naro Moru Trail Trial on November 21 have not been canceled.

Epik co-founder, David Kinjah is known internationally as the inspiration behind the early formative years of four-times Tour de France winner, Chris Froome. Froome was born in Kenya to British parents and grew up there and in South Africa.

Rift Valley Odyssey (RVO) founder Eric Nesbitt recently cast doubt on Kenya’s other big cycling event this year, saying the future of the 2020 RVO event was “clear as mud” and that organisers would make a final decision in June.

Adventure and sports tourism are fast-growing elements of the Kenya tourism industry, with Kenya offering unrivalled scenery, great weather and the opportunity to take in a “Safari” holiday after the event. Domestic tourism is also growing, with more and more Kenyans engaging in outdoor sports and activities.