Kenyan cyclist, Suleiman Kangangi 33, has died following a high-speed crash in a race in the United States on Saturday.
Suleiman raced for the East African based Team Amani, was taking part in the Overland gravel race in Vermont – a 59-mile dirt-road contest including almost 7,000ft of climbing.
In a statement the team stated of how close he was to them and how he has been an impact to the team.“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 realisation of his dream.” 
“Kangangi finished third in the Tour of Rwanda in 2017 while racing for the German UCI Continental team, Bike Aid, before switching to gravel racing. His latest team, Amani, sets out to “support the development of young East African cyclists” primarily from Rwanda, Uganda and Kenya,“My heartfelt condolences to his family, and the entire cycling community, that has lost a talented cyclist, a mentor and a friend,” Rachel Ruto, the wife of president-elect William Ruto of Kenya, posted on Twitter.
At about 900 cyclists were competing in the event on Saturday which was won by Amani’s John Kariuki while team-mate Jordan Schleck finished third.
Others expressed their sadness, sending condolences to the family of Suleiman “We will all miss him as an individual. Kenya has lost a champion. Rest in peace Sule.” “Vermont Overland is completely heartbroken,” its organiser, Ansel Dickey, said in a statement. “We extend our deepest sympathies to his family, his friends, Team Amani, and the people of Kenya.”
