The ancient city of Ogbomoso will host the maiden edition of the Ajilete Grand Fondo Cycling Championship this December, with over 100 cyclists from across Nigeria expected to participate.
Speaking at the pre-launch of the competition in Ogbomoso on Monday, The convener, Mr. Adebayo Majolagbe, said the event is designed not only to promote cycling but also to showcase the rich culture and tradition of the city.
“It’s the first of its kind, and the idea is not just about cycling but about merging sport with culture and tradition. That uniqueness is what makes the Ajilete Grand Fondo special,” Majolagbe said.
He expressed optimism that Nigerian cyclists, with the right level of support, could compete on the global stage in the near future.
The race is open to all categories of riders, giving both amateur enthusiasts and professional cyclists the chance to display their skills in a competitive yet festive atmosphere.
A board member of the The Cycling Federation of Nigeria (CFN), Femi Thomas, described the Ajilete Grand Fondo as a landmark development for the sport in Nigeria with a promise of full technical support to ensure its smooth organisation.
“It’s a great opportunity for us to have this type of event. The federation has been working hard to encourage the sport, and seeing such an initiative, we have no choice but to support it fully,” Thomas said.
According to him, the competition will provide opportunities for cyclists, clubs, and enthusiasts to come together while also contributing to the development of Ogbomoso. He also commended Majolagbe for sponsoring the event, noting that lack of sponsorship had long been a major challenge for cycling tournaments in the country.
