Kenyan cyclist Suleiman Kangangi has tragically died following a high-speed crash during an event in the United States.
The incident took place in a race on Saturday with tributes pouring in for the 33-year-old following the devastating news. Kangangi, who raced for the East African-based Team Amani and was considered one of his country’s greatest talents, was competing in the Vermont Overland race where he crashed. The event is a 59-mile dirt-road contest including around 7,000ft of climbing.
His team confirmed the terrible news and paid tribute to the cyclist in a statement. “Sule Kangangi tragically lost his life yesterday after crashing at high speed during a race in Vermont,” Team Amani said.
“Sule is our captain, friend, brother. He is also a father, husband, and son. Gaping holes are left when giant’s 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 realisation of his dream.”
After first discovering cycling in 2010, Kangangi went on to join continental team Bike Aid in 2017. He went on to take third place in that year’s edition of the Tour du Rwanda as he began his progression into becoming a key figure in the Kenyan gravel racing scene.
He was a key individual in helping to host the inaugural Migration Gravel Race in 2021 and he also spearheaded the Amani project, which seeks to create racing opportunities for young cyclists in East Africa.
Tributes have now poured in from many after the 33-year-old’s death including from Rachel Ruto, the wife of president-elect William Ruto of Kenya. "My heartfelt condolences to his family, and the entire cycling community, that has lost a talented cyclist, a mentor and a friend," she said.
"We will all miss him as an individual. Kenya has lost a champion. Rest in peace Sule."
British cyclist and four-time Tour de France champion Chris Froome, who was born in Kenya, also paid tribute to Kangangi, describing his death as “heartbreaking”. He added: “My thoughts are with Sule’s friends and family.
"Vermont Overland is completely heartbroken," said the event organiser Ansel Dickey in a statement. "We extend our deepest sympathies to his family, his friends, Team Amani, and the people of Kenya."
