Guardian

THE Nigeria Cycling Federation (NCF) has thrown its weight behind the organisers of the inaugural edition of the Cyclefest Race billed to begin at the National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos on Saturday.

The Cyclefest Race, which is also sanctioned by the Lagos State Cycling Association, is the first privately organised bicycle race in Nigeria and will be competed for in four major categories including Men professional, Female professional, Men recreational and Female recreational.

NCF Technical Director, Bashir Mohammed revealed that the race is aimed at giving opportunities to all the male and female cyclists in the country to showcase their talents and skills with a lot of prizes earmarked for the winners.

“The coach will also use this opportunity to select the male and female cyclists that will represent the country in the 2013 African Cycling Championship in Egypt and the ECOWAS International Cycling Tour from Lagos to Senegal in the months of September and November respectively,” he added.

Similarly, a founding member of Lifestyle Cycling Club, Port Harcourt, T. Iboroma Akpana said, “this bike race is inspiring a whole generation to challenge themselves to a life of better health and a sustainable environment.”

According to the organisers, CycleShop Ltd, about 250 cyclists from 16 states and four cycling clubs are expected to compete for honours in the 270km road race.

The routes are: National Stadium - Eko Bridge - Marina - Bonny Camp - Ahmadu Bello – Bar Beach - 1004 - Falomo - Bourdilon - Foreshore - 3MB - Oworoshoki - Ojota - Otedola Gardens - Alausa - Awolowo Way – Allen/Opebi - Sheraton - Bank Anthony - Airport – Agege MotorWay - Oshodi - Anthony - MaryLand - Ikorodu Road - Western Avenue back to Stadium.

The 16 state teams taking part in the race are Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Edo, Kaduna, Gombe, Nassarawa, Borno, Ogun, Ondo, Osun, Oyo, Lagos, Rivers and Imo, while the clubs are Lifestyle Cycling Club (Port Harcourt), Cycology Cycling Club (Lagos), Road Runners and Recreational Cycling Club (Lagos) and Old Bastids (Nigeria).