By Emmanuel Afonne
The Cycling Federation of Nigeria (CFN) says the inaugural Ride Abuja Cycling Race has the potential to evolve into a national championship and provide Nigerian cyclists with opportunities to earn Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) points.
Mohammed Basheer, Technical Director, CFN, made this known in a statement on Thursday after the 87-kilometre road race organised on Oct. 4 by 76 Cycling Club Abuja Roadies (76CC) in Abuja.
Basheer said developing the race into a national championship would strengthen Nigeria’s cycling calendar and create pathways for cyclists seeking qualification for major international competitions.
“UCI points earned from such competitions can enhance Nigerian cyclists’ qualification prospects for the World Championships, Olympic Games and Commonwealth Games,” he said.
The technical director described the inaugural race as evidence that Abuja had the road infrastructure and other requirements to host major cycling competitions.
He urged cycling clubs and corporate organisations to organise more races to expand participation, discover new talents and strengthen the development of cycling in Nigeria.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Godstime Cyril Umosen of Team Subsea and Osaretin Godwin of Team Edo won the professional men’s and women’s categories respectively.
Umosen completed the 87-kilometre course in 2:01:18 to take the men’s title, finishing one second ahead of teammate Daniel Sunday, who recorded 2:01:19.
Isah Momoh of Kaduna State Team placed third in 2:03:43, while Godwin emerged winner of the women’s category in 2:09:11.
Her teammate, Divine Ogbe, finished second in 2:09:12, while Treasure Coxsen of Team Subsea placed third in 2:09:13.
The race, held on Oct. 4, attracted professional and recreational cyclists from across Nigeria and abroad and was sanctioned by the CFN.
It was conducted under UCI rules and took participants through some major districts and landmarks in the Federal Capital Territory.
Basheer said the federation would provide technical support to 76CC and other organisations interested in staging cycling competitions.
He said the growth of competitive cycling required collaboration among the federation, clubs, corporate organisations and government at all levels.
Joel Akinuwa, Secretary-General, CFN, said the race was conducted in line with UCI standards, with medical personnel, security agencies, police, Vehicle Inspection Office personnel and road barricades deployed.
“The federation remains committed to supporting initiatives capable of improving the organisation and safety of cycling competitions in the country.
“The race also renews calls for safer roads and improved cycling infrastructure in Abuja,” Akinuwa was quoted in the statement as saying.
Marcus Wenz, a German cyclist who participated in the race, identified damaged drainage infrastructure, missing or vandalised manhole covers, traffic and motorists’ attitudes as some of the challenges confronting cyclists.
Wenz said Abuja had considerable potential to become a cycling-friendly city but required greater investment in dedicated infrastructure and road safety measures.
A notable feature of the race was the completion of the 87-kilometre course by Ian Atfield, a staff member of the British High Commission and a person living with disability.
Atfield completed the race on a recumbent handcycle, providing an example of inclusion and demonstrating that competitive cycling could accommodate athletes with different physical abilities.
The professional men’s and women’s winners shared a prize purse of more than N6 million, which organisers said was aimed at encouraging greater participation and motivating emerging cyclists.
Henry Okelue, Chairman, Ride Abuja Organising Committee, commended sponsors, partners and volunteers for supporting the successful staging of the event.
He listed the partners as Prixair, 09 Bikers, Farm City, Lesha Hospital, Pocari Sweat, Sunrise Water Parks, CINI, Global SoftLayer and Best Bike Care.
Samaila Usman, a Kaduna-based cycling coach, said events such as Ride Abuja were important for identifying and nurturing cyclists capable of progressing from grassroots competitions to elite and international levels.
Usman, who has helped develop more than 40 cyclists, commended the organisers for an efficient registration process and professional management of the competition.
He said the organisation of the race compared favourably with cycling competitions he had witnessed in Europe.(NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
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Edited by Joseph Edeh
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