The forthcoming maiden Lagos City Cycling Grand Prix is proving to be very popular on the West African coast, as the competition has already attracted several entries from participants in the ECOWAS zone.
Sports247.ng gathered that interest in the forthcoming race has seen an influx of entries, with over 2,000 cyclists from Togo, Ghana, Cameroon and Benin Republic expected to participate.
The race, which is billed to hold in Lagos between 18th and 19th of January, has been cited as ‘a catalyst to the development of cycling as a sporting event using Lagos as a focal point.’
The competition is also aimed at stimulating interest of the populace in cycling as a pleasurable fun activity, for fitness and option for urban transportation.
Managing Director of Shonga Africana Limited, Daniel Anyankah added that the organisers want to ensure that the race becomes a world class event and to obtain cycling world governing body accreditation.
He said the Lagos City Cycling Grand Prix, which will be approximately 100km from Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere, will involve professional and amateur cyclists, passing through several major streets.
The first day will be focused on Secondary school students from Lagos geared towards the honour of former Chairman of the Lagos State Commission and Special Adviser to the Executive governor of Lagos state, late Mr Deji Tinubu for his contributions to sports administration.
Anyankah added: “The objectives of the event are to rekindle interest in cycling as a viable sport in Nigeria.
“We also want to stimulate interest in the private sector in cycling as a sporting event, whereby professional cyclists will be able to participate in more cycling events and put Nigeria in a position of prominence.
“The winners of the Secondary School category will be awarded with the Deji Tinubu Cycling prize for schools in his honour.
“The second day will have participants from Togo, Ghana, Benin Republic, Cameroon and host Nigeria with technical support from Cycling Federation of Nigeria (CFN), Lagos Cycling Association and FT Cycle Care Limited.”
