Over 100 cyclists from across Nigeria are expected to participate in the forthcoming Ajilete Grand Fondo cycling championship scheduled for Ogbomoso in December this year.
The Cycling Federation of Nigeria has thrown its weight behind the maiden edition of the tournament, with board member Femi Thomas confirming that the federation will provide technical support for the smooth running of the competition.
Thomas commended cycling enthusiast Adebayo Majolagbe for sponsoring the inaugural event, noting that sponsorship has been a long-standing challenge for the Grand Fondo competition, which has been in the pipeline for a considerable time.
“It’s a great opportunity for us to have this type of event because we believe the cycling federation has been trying in its own capacity to encourage the sports, and seeing this type of event coming up, we have no choice but to be able to surround and support the initiative,” Thomas said.
“We believe it’s going to make a very good lineup of opportunities for cyclists and then promoting the sports, and likewise giving a role for the cycling enthusiasts, clubs, and professional cyclists to come together and be able to give funds to the community which they are visiting. Using our sport in promoting such an environment is a plus for us, so we believe these initiatives will go a long way in projecting the community while also promoting cycling in Nigeria.”
Cycling enthusiast Majolagbe stated that the Ajilete Grand Fondo cycling competition will positively impact the growth of cycling in the country, adding that Nigeria has talented cyclists who, with a little support, can become world champions in the not-too-distant future.
“It’s the first of its kind, and the idea is not just for cycling but to promote culture and tradition with cycling, which is something totally different; it has its own uniqueness, and that is what this is all about,” Majolagbe said.
“And I feel like once you get the proper coverage, it will really help the cycling community in Nigeria.”
The race is open to all categories of riders, providing an opportunity for both amateur enthusiasts and professional cyclists to showcase their talents in the ancient city of Ogbomoso.