“We Want to Promote Cycling in Nigeria”

As parts efforts to promote the game of cycling in Nigeria and get more people involved, Cycology cycling club will be organising the 2016 cycology criterium on May 30, at Eko Atlantic, Lagos from 10a.m.

Speaking at a press briefing in Lagos yesterday, the captain of the club, Ladipo Soetan, said the essence of the cycling event is aimed at promoting the sports in Nigeria, and get people to be involved in the sports, adding that the federal government spent 18 million naira in Cycling, Badminton, Squash and two other sports, but this event is costing twice that amount.

He expressed confidence that tomorrow’s event would encourage interested investors to support the growth and development of the sports in the country, stressing that “at the moment they have been able to attract a great deal of sponsorship interests, but they are expecting more people to invest in the sports.”

Soetan added: “We are expecting a lot of people to be here tomorrow. When the sponsors see the numbers, they will be willing to invest in the sports. The Nigeria Cycling Federation (NCF) is offering us technical support and we are very happy about that.  We want to prove that anybody can do it. We are hoping for support from the federal government in the area of road infrastructure, such as cycling lanes, and encourage people to cycle. When you have more government supports a lot of people decide to get involved in the support.”

The Sponsorship Secretary, Adeleke Adeniyi commended Lagos State government for their support towards the competition, noting that they have received support from over 30 sponsors, “the aim of Lagos state government t is to make sure that the state is a leading cycling destination.”

 He expressed confidence that the event will be the catalyst to ensure that the game of the cycling continue to grow in the coming years.

The event which will last between four and five hours will feature bike races among the professionals and veterans.