Cycling Africa assumes management of Cycling Lagos, Kano, targets African cities

Mercy Iheoma Ihedigbo

Cycling Africa has assumed the management and strategic coordination of Cycling Lagos and Cycling Kano, unveiling an ambitious plan to expand the cycling initiatives beyond Nigeria and establish a network of cycling events across major African cities.

The organisation announced the development on Tuesday, describing the new management structure as a significant step towards transforming cycling into a major platform for sports development, tourism, healthy living, environmental sustainability, youth engagement and economic opportunities across the continent.

Speaking in Lagos, President and Chief Executive Officer of Cycling Africa, Bamidele Adeleye, said the organisation would provide professional management, strategic partnerships, marketing, sponsorship development, event production and expansion opportunities for Cycling Lagos, Cycling Kano and other cycling projects in the pipeline.

He added that BrandEscort would continue to provide media support for the events.

Adeleye said the new structure was designed to move the cycling initiatives beyond individual events and create a sustainable continental platform capable of connecting cyclists, communities, brands, governments and other stakeholders.

“Africa needs more platforms that can bring people together across borders. Cycling provides that opportunity. Our vision is to build a network of cycling events and initiatives that can contribute to healthier communities, cleaner cities and stronger sports tourism across Africa,” he said.

According to him, Cycling Lagos has evolved over the years into one of Nigeria’s notable cycling events, attracting professional and recreational cyclists, young people, families, corporate organisations, government agencies and cycling enthusiasts.

The forthcoming edition will mark the fifth edition of Cycling Lagos, reflecting the growing acceptance of cycling as a sporting, recreational and social activity in Nigeria.

“Cycling Lagos, which is preparing for its 5th edition, has over the years grown into one of Nigeria’s notable cycling events, bringing together professional and recreational cyclists, young people, families, corporate organisations, government agencies and cycling enthusiasts,” Adeleye stated.

He also noted that Cycling Kano had established itself as an important platform for promoting cycling and healthy lifestyles in Northern Nigeria.

With the new management structure, he said Cycling Africa would build on the achievements of both events while developing a unified platform capable of linking Nigeria’s cycling community with opportunities across Africa.

“Cycling Kano, similarly, has established itself as an important platform for promoting cycling and healthy lifestyles in Northern Nigeria.

“Under the new structure, Cycling Africa will build on the successes of both events while developing a unified African cycling platform capable of connecting cyclists, brands, governments, tourism organisations and other stakeholders across the continent,” he said.

Adeleye explained that the organisation’s long-term ambition goes beyond organising cycling competitions or recreational rides, stressing that Cycling Africa is being positioned as a continental development platform.

“Cycling Africa is being created with a much bigger vision than organising individual cycling events. Our objective is to build a continental cycling platform that connects cities, communities, brands and governments through cycling,” he said.

He identified youth engagement, transportation, tourism, fitness, environmental sustainability, job creation and community development as some of the areas where cycling could make a significant contribution to Africa’s development.

According to him, the planned expansion will involve identifying strategic cities across the continent where new cycling events can be introduced or existing initiatives strengthened.

The organisation also plans to pursue partnerships with governments, corporate organisations, international development institutions, cycling associations, tourism agencies and environmental organisations.

Such partnerships, Adeleye said, would be critical to developing sustainable cycling programmes capable of delivering long-term social, environmental and economic benefits.

The expansion plan is also expected to strengthen the connection between cycling and sports tourism by creating events capable of attracting participants, spectators, sponsors and tourists to host cities.

Beyond sports, Cycling Africa intends to promote cycling as part of the broader conversation around sustainable urban transportation and healthier lifestyles.

The organisation believes that increased adoption of cycling can contribute to healthier communities while helping African cities address environmental challenges and promote responsible mobility.

The announcement comes ahead of the fifth edition of Cycling Lagos, scheduled to take place on Saturday, September 12, 2026, at the National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos.

The 2026 edition is themed “Trash to Treasure,” highlighting the event’s increasing emphasis on environmental sustainability, recycling and responsible waste management.

The theme is expected to place greater attention on the relationship between cycling, environmental consciousness and responsible management of waste.

The event is expected to attract professional and recreational cyclists, children, families, corporate participants and other cycling enthusiasts.

Organisers also expect the event to provide an opportunity for stakeholders to promote sustainable transportation, environmental responsibility, healthy living and greater participation in cycling.

With Cycling Lagos and Cycling Kano now under the strategic coordination of Cycling Africa, the organisation’s immediate task will be to strengthen the two established platforms while laying the foundation for a wider African cycling network.

The initiative signals a broader attempt to position cycling not merely as a sporting activity, but as a vehicle for connecting communities, supporting tourism, encouraging healthier lifestyles, creating economic opportunities and promoting cleaner and more sustainable African cities.