Team Amani

Rapha Films presents Migration A documentary about the Migration Gravel Race, a four day, 650km offroad bike race in the Maasai Mara. Created by Team AMANI and marshalled by local Maasai, the Migration attracts the best gravel bike athletes in the world. This film explores the importance of the event to Team AMANI and their Black Mamba Development Squad; and how they are building the sport in East Africa, nurturing the next generation of endurance athletes on two wheels. Focusing on the riders of Team AMANI and Black Mambas, Migration is an insight into the work of AMANI and how this incredible race is symbolic of the Team’s character and ambition. #neverjustaride https://lnkd.in/drmTtFhZ

The Migration Gravel Race in partnership with The Gravel Earth Series presents the documentary “The power of Maasais.” The Migration Gravel Race is much more than a race, it's a discovery of the spirit of the Maasai people while exploring the Maasai Mara region, one of the last wild untouched places on earth. This thrilling edition saw the introduction of two different race distances(Leopard and Zebra), leader jerseys(in partnership with Rapha) in three categories - F/M Pro, F/M Amateur, F/M Best African, and riders attending from 35 different countries. This edition continues the work of the last 3 editions to create racing opportunities at home in East Africa. The aim to is to bring the best in the world to the gravel roads of Kenya (instead of Europe/US) in order to increase access to top level competition for East African athletes and showcase the wonder of Kenya to a broader, international audience. Rapha, Giant Bicycle, SRAM, LLC, Wahoo Fitness, POC, fizik, BUFF®, KLASSMARK, Mikel Delagrange https://lnkd.in/dY9YySMM

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TEAM AMANI AND RAPHA JOIN FORCES TO ANNOUNCES OFFICIAL PARTNERSHIP WITH TEAM AMANI AND BLACK MAMBA DEVELOPMENT SQUAD London, January 23, 2024 – Team AMANI proudly announces a groundbreaking partnership with Rapha, a global leader in cycling apparel, to propel East African cycling to new heights. This collaboration signifies a monumental step towards realizing our vision of making East Africa a powerhouse not only in endurance running but also in cycling. Founded in 2021, Team AMANI has set its sights on conquering the peaks of the cycling world. With a primary focus on gravel racing, our talented young athletes from Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo are ready to challenge the norms and change the cycling landscape. In line with the late Sule Kangangi's vision, Team AMANI and the Black Mamba Development Squad are committed to nurturing and developing cyclists in the region. We believe that for cycling to truly become an international sport, we must extend our reach beyond the borders of Europe and embrace the youth and adventure rising in our own territories. Team AMANI's strategy is threefold: firstly, sending our best athletes to compete and triumph at the highest international levels; secondly, organizing high-profile bike races like the Migration Gravel Race and the Safari Gravel Race – Kenya's inaugural UCI event; and thirdly, establishing a world-class training facility in Iten, Kenya, while ushering in the next generation of cycling champions through our under-23 Black Mamba Development Squad. We are excited to announce Rapha as an official partner of Team AMANI. This partnership extends to the Migration and Safari Gravel Races, as well as the Black Mamba Development Squad, solidifying our collaboration through 2024 and beyond. Rapha's support is instrumental in our quest to make East Africa a cycling powerhouse, and we are thrilled to embark on this journey together. By uniting with Rapha, Team AMANI aims to inspire, empower, and break new ground in the world of cycling. We believe that this partnership will not only foster the growth of the sport in East Africa but also contribute to the global cycling community's diversity and inclusivity. Thomas Long Francois Convercey Learn more at the link below: https://lnkd.in/dgMH2mpE #Knownobounds About Team AMANI: Team AMANI, founded in 2021, is a visionary cycling team dedicated to nurturing and developing talent from East Africa. With a focus on gravel racing, the team aims to challenge the norms, change the cycling landscape, and make East Africa a powerhouse in the sport. The Black Mamba Development Squad, under-23 program, and high-profile races like the Migration Gravel Race and the Safari Gravel Race are integral parts of Team AMANI's strategy.

Now streaming: TWENDE, a film about firsts and finding connection. Join fizik rider Andrew Jackson and filmmaker Finley Newmark on an epic journey through Kenya’s Maasai Mara National Reserve as Andrew takes on the one-of-a-kind Migration Gravel Race for the very first time. Watch now https://lnkd.in/dMA-CCfy

Black Mamba is the name given to a type of bike in East Africa. Often unremarkable, they are used for commuting to school or work, you will see them everywhere; versatile, practical, and never the same. But they do have one thing in common. One thing that eclipses everything else: opportunity. If you can ride a bike to school, to the shops or to work, then you can also ride a bike to race. To perform, to have fun and challenge everyone around you. It’s an opportunity that Amani team co-founder, Sule Kangangi, saw clearly and to him gathering riders to race their Black Mambas represented the very essence of grassroots development for East African cyclists. Sule may no longer be with us, but his dream is, and it’s as powerful and vivid as ever. Together with Amani and committed partners; POC, Rapha, Fizik, Tune and LOOP, the Black Mamba Development Squad represents the continuation of Sule’s legacy: a gravel cycling program to prepare the next generation of East African cycling talent for success on the world stage. The most promising young women and men from Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda and Democratic Republic of the Congo have been chosen to represent the Squad. Athletes will be provided with top-flight equipment, coaching, nutrition, accommodation and salary stipends to enable them to focus on developing their abilities in the sport. They will attend Spoke Academy at the AMANI House in Iten, Kenya where they will develop their English language skills and take classes on sports nutrition, training principles, cycling professionalism, and the other off-the-bike knowledge required to be a professional cyclist. With the Team AMANI professionals as their training partners, the Black Mambas will also benefit from an unprecedented level of mentorship. The Black Mamba Development Squad will target East African races, including the Loop Safari Gravel Race Series (5 races), the East African UCI Gravel Races (Safari [Kenya] and Tugende [Rwanda]) and the Migration Gravel Race. As they grow to dominate regional competition, they will be preparing themselves for the next step toward global competition. The Black Mamba is East African cycling culture, and now its name will be synonymous with talent and opportunity. The Black Mamba rider of today can be the Team AMANI professional of tomorrow. The future is now. #Twende (“Let’s Go!”)"

Team Amani Celebrates Jordan Schleck's Selection for the 2024 Lifetime Grand Prix Series Iten, Kenya, 09.11.23 – Team Amani is thrilled to announce that Jordan Schleck, one of its prominent riders, has been accepted to participate in the prestigious Lifetime Grand Prix Series in the United States for the 2024 season. This significant achievement marks a milestone moment for both Schleck and Team Amani. The Lifetime Grand Prix Series is widely recognized as the most selective gravel race series in the world, and Schleck's inclusion speaks volumes about the accomplishments of the team thus far. As one of only two male riders representing an entire continent with over a billion people, and notably the sole rider of color, Jordan's selection is not only a personal triumph but a symbolic door opening for those who historically faced barriers to accessing top-level competition. "This is a reflection of what has been achieved thus far and a massive opportunity to show what we can do going forward," commented Mikel Delagrange, executive director. The selection process for the Lifetime Grand Prix Series is rigorous, and Jordan Schleck's inclusion underscores the caliber of talent that Team Amani brings to the global stage. With the eyes of the next generation in East Africa eagerly watching, Schleck's journey is poised to inspire and pave the way for aspiring cyclists in the region. In a sport often characterized by its lack of diversity, Jordan Schleck's participation in the series holds significant cultural and societal importance. "This is big pressure for narrow shoulders," acknowledged Delagrange, emphasizing the responsibility and expectations placed on Schleck's shoulders as a representative of not just Team Amani but also as a symbol of progress in the cycling world. Team Amani extends heartfelt appreciation to Lifetime for taking a step towards making cycling more international. The team is eager to showcase their talents and compete at the highest level, not just by showing up but by setting American gravel roads on fire. As the 2024 Lifetime Grand Prix Series approaches, Team Amani invites fans and supporters to join them in celebrating this historic moment and wishes all the qualified riders the best of luck in what promises to be an exciting and challenging competition. The AMANI project brings together initiatives aimed at enhancing inclusivity in cycling and creating opportunities for riders based in Africa. Join us! Partnership with The AMANI Project promises strong and consistent promotional opportunities for brands seeking affiliation with worthy initiatives. With a strong roster of athletes and a varied programme, including certain high-profile events, brand visibility will be established through social media, short films, and on the roads in the United States, Europe and East Africa. In the upcoming season, we'll be expanding our efforts based on our raised momentum. For media inquiries, please contact: [email protected]

Team Amani Celebrates Jordan Schleck's Selection for the 2024 Lifetime Grand Prix Series Iten, Kenya, 09.11.23 – Team Amani is thrilled to announce that Jordan Schleck, one of its prominent riders, has been accepted to participate in the prestigious Lifetime Grand Prix Series in the United States for the 2024 season. This significant achievement marks a milestone moment for both Schleck and Team Amani. The Lifetime Grand Prix Series is widely recognized as the most selective gravel race series in the world, and Schleck's inclusion speaks volumes about the accomplishments of the team thus far. As one of only two male riders representing an entire continent with over a billion people, and notably the sole rider of color, Jordan's selection is not only a personal triumph but a symbolic door opening for those who historically faced barriers to accessing top-level competition. "This is a reflection of what has been achieved thus far and a massive opportunity to show what we can do going forward," commented Mikel Delagrange, executive director. The selection process for the Lifetime Grand Prix Series is rigorous, and Jordan Schleck's inclusion underscores the caliber of talent that Team Amani brings to the global stage. With the eyes of the next generation in East Africa eagerly watching, Schleck's journey is poised to inspire and pave the way for aspiring cyclists in the region. In a sport often characterized by its lack of diversity, Jordan Schleck's participation in the series holds significant cultural and societal importance. "This is big pressure for narrow shoulders," acknowledged Delagrange, emphasizing the responsibility and expectations placed on Schleck's shoulders as a representative of not just Team Amani but also as a symbol of progress in the cycling world. Team Amani extends heartfelt appreciation to Lifetime for taking a step towards making cycling more international. The team is eager to showcase their talents and compete at the highest level, not just by showing up but by setting American gravel roads on fire. As the 2024 Lifetime Grand Prix Series approaches, Team Amani invites fans and supporters to join them in celebrating this historic moment and wishes all the qualified riders the best of luck in what promises to be an exciting and challenging competition. The AMANI project brings together initiatives aimed at enhancing inclusivity in cycling and creating opportunities for riders based in Africa. Join us! Partnership with The AMANI Project promises strong and consistent promotional opportunities for brands seeking affiliation with worthy initiatives. With a strong roster of athletes and a varied programme, including certain high-profile events, brand visibility will be established through social media, short films, and on the roads in the United States, Europe and East Africa. In the upcoming season, we'll be expanding our efforts based on our raised momentum. For media inquiries, please contact: [email protected]

We are delighted to announce our partnership with LOOP DFS to introduce the LOOP Safari Race Series to the Kenyan gravel racing scene. This thrilling cycling event is aimed at promoting healthy lifestyles and community engagement - brining the joy of cycling to the Kenyan communities. According to Amani Project CEO Mikel Delagrange, cycling is not just a sport, but also a lifestyle that can positively impact physical and mental well-being. This partnership seeks to inspire future champions and introduce cycling to a wider audience. #LOOPDFS #AMANIProject #LOOPsafariraceseries #cycling #communityengagement #gravelcycling https://lnkd.in/deS5azzw