The Nation Newspaper

Tag: cycling

  • Applause as FXTM Academy organises cycling event

    Applause as FXTM Academy organises cycling event

    FXTM Academy has showcased its strong support for sportsmanship and community engagement as it recently gathered cycling enthusiasts from across the country  for an exhilarating charity event.

    As a demonstration of  its drive to promote progress through cycling, the academy said it put together a  competition, which  attracted over 200 participants from Port Harcourt, Ilorin, Ibadan, Abeokuta, and Lagos. The event, which featured six categories—Professional Male, Professional Female, Junior Male, Junior Female, Veteran Male, and Veteran Female—provided  opportunities for cyclists  to exhibit their sporty talents.

    A statement by the academy stated that the competition featured  professionals in  racing with an impressive 20 laps, with each segment  spanning 2.8 kilometres.

    Winners in the Professional categories received  ₦800,000, ₦500,000, ₦300,000, and ₦200,000 respectively for the top four positions while cyclists that finished in the  fifth  to fifteenth  places were rewarded with ₦50,000 each.

    In the Junior Male and Female categories, the top three spots earned ₦200,000, ₦100,000, and ₦50,000, respectively. Veteran winners took home ₦500,000, ₦300,000, and ₦200,000 for  first , second  and  third  positions respectively.

    Read Also: FXTM analyst explains impact of US tariffs on Nigeria, global markets

    Participants and spectators, the statement added, praised FXTM Academy for organizing an event that fostered unity and provided a platform for cyclists to showcase their talents. Many attendees expressed gratitude for the opportunity to take part in such a well-organized and inclusive competition, eagerly anticipating future events.

    The event also highlighted FXTM Academy’s commitment to empowering communities and promoting similar values aligned with cycling which include,  perseverance, discipline, endurance and continuous improvement.

    The statement  added: ” With its outstanding success, this charity cycling event has established a new benchmark for community-focused initiatives in Nigeria. FXTM Academy’s dedication to blending sport, charity, and empowerment has left a lasting impact, inspiring many to look forward to our future events.”

    Commenting on the activity, FXTM Academy’s  Country Representative, Kelechi Ehibudu said: “FXTM Academy wants to empower communities and promote similar values that also align with cycling which are perseverance, discipline, endurance and continuous improvement.”

  • Eight countries where cycling is a primary mode of transportation

    Eight countries where cycling is a primary mode of transportation

    The price of petrol in Nigeria has continued to soar, with pump prices being adjusted twice in the past two months.

    As a result, Nigerians are increasingly seeking sustainable alternatives to petrol-powered vehicles, with CNG-powered vehicles being one option under consideration.

    Recently, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) suggested bicycles as an alternative mode of transportation.

    At the United Nations World Bicycle Day Flag off Ceremony, FRSC Corps Marshal, Malam Shehu Mohammed, encouraged Nigerians to adopt cycling not only for transportation but also for healthier living.

    He highlighted the benefits of cycling in promoting serenity, orderliness, and peace in urban areas.

    Here are Eight countries in the world where cycling is a prominent means of transportation:

    1. Netherlands – Known for its extensive cycling infrastructure and bike-friendly cities.

    The Netherlands has a large network of cycle paths that are well-marked, smooth, and separate from motorized traffic. There are also protected intersections, ample bicycle parking, and cycle tracks.

    2. Denmark – Copenhagen is famous for its high cycling rates and bike lanes. Denmark has dedicated bike lanes, bridges, and supercycle highways. The country has a network of 11 national cycle routes and many regional routes that extend over 12,000 kilometres (7,500 miles).

    3. Germany – Many cities have well-developed cycling networks, with more than half of the German population cycling regularly or semi-regularly. According to Statista, around 54% of Germans ride a bike at least once a month, including e-bikes.

    4. China – Bicycles are widely used, especially in urban areas, though electric bikes are increasingly popular. In 2022, bicycles were the preferred mode of commuting for 44.3% of Chinese people, surpassing cars, buses, taxis, and metros.

    Read Also: Cycling enthusiast seeks grassroots support 

    5. Japan – Bicycles are a common mode of transport in cities and towns. Cycling is a prominent part of Japanese culture and lifestyle, especially in rural and suburban areas. Most Japanese people have cycled since childhood, as nearly every child and young adult rides their bike to school.

    6. Sweden – Cities like Malmö have invested in bike-friendly infrastructure. Sweden has a well-developed network of cycle paths in cities and towns and well-marked routes across the country.

    7. Finland – Helsinki promotes cycling with various initiatives and bike-sharing programs. Sweden has a well-developed network of cycle paths in cities and towns and well-marked routes across the country.

    8. Belgium – Cycling is popular, particularly in cities like Ghent and Bruges. Cycling is a prominent part of Belgian culture and is considered a national sport.

  • Cycling enthusiast seeks grassroots support 

    Cycling enthusiast seeks grassroots support 

    Cycling enthusiast and managing partner of Solola & Akpana, Iboroma Akpana , has demanded  support  for grassroots sports development especially cycling across the country.

    He spoke recently during the PitStop Lagos August 2024 Criterium held to mark his 60th birthday anniversary.

    The Criterium tagged “60 for 60KM race” saw Innocent Emmanuel emerging as winner, while Bassey Okon and Zakariyu Faruq emerged as second and third respectively.

    Other winners include: Diepreye Jackbara (4th), Chisom Oveh (5th  ). The various winners were rewarded with cash prizes.

    Akpana emphasized that cycling should not be seen as an elitist sport but should be viewed from the grassroots lens so as to develop more talents across the country.

    He said: “When you turn 60, it is the diamond jubilee. The aging process is a natural thing. I’m identified in the cycling community (PitStop Lagos). I’ve been involved in grassroots cycling for over 20 years. As long as we do not turn cycling into an elitist sport, we are bound to find exceptional athletes/cyclists in the grassroots.

    Read Also: Gallagher back at Chelsea as Atletico move stalls

    “Eritrea has a grassroots programme for its athletes. That’s why they are a strong country. We need to create a local programme, more academy just like PitStop Lagos. Cycling has direct relevance to healthcare and general productivity.

    “We’ve adopted a model in PitStop community where the sport is built around the athletes. In the meantime, we need to replicate the PitStop community idea across states of the country, thereby opening up the sport more. I’m extremely delighted to the community, and it is humbling to have the Criterium held in my honour.”

    Speaking about the celebrant, Ms Temidayo Taylor, said: “The celebrant is a mentor to many of us and the PitStop community where I belong. He is a selfless person,  man of character, a father figure  to many and a generous person.”

  • We need to support grassroots cycling to discover more talents, says Akpana

    We need to support grassroots cycling to discover more talents, says Akpana

    Iboroma Akpana, a cycling enthusiast and managing partner of Solola and Akpana, has called for support of grassroots sports development especially cycling across the country.

    He spoke recently during the Pitstop Lagos August 2024 criterium held in his honour to mark his 60th birthday anniversary.

    The criterium tagged “60 for 60KM race” saw Innocent Emmanuel emerging as the winner, while Bassey Okon and Zakariyu Faruq emerged as second and third respectively.

    Other winners include Diepreye Jackbara (4th), and Chisom Oveh (5th). The various winners were rewarded with cash prizes.

    Iboroma, an Independent Non-Executive Director at Access Bank Plc, emphasised that cycling should not be seen as an elitist sport but should be viewed from the grassroots lens to develop more talents across the country.

    Read Also: American Valente retains cycling’s  Omnium title

    He said: “When you turn 60, it is the diamond jubilee. The aging process is a natural thing. I’m identified in the cycling community (Pitstop Lagos). I’ve been involved in grassroots cycling for over 20 years. As long as we do not turn cycling into an elitist sport, we are bound to find exceptional athletes/cyclists at the grassroots.

    “Eritea has a grassroots programme for its athletes. That’s why they are a strong country. We need to create a local programme and more academies just like PitStop Lagos. Cycling has direct relevance to healthcare and general productivity.

    Popularly called the People’s Elder, Iboroma said: “We’ve adopted a model in the PitStop community where the sport is built around the athletes. In the meantime, we need to replicate the PitStop community idea across states of the country, thereby opening up the sport more. I’m extremely delighted to the community, and it is humbling to have the criterium held in my honour.”

    Speaking about the celebrant, Ms. Temidayo Taylor said: “The celebrant is a mentor to many of us, myself and the Pitstop community where I belong. He is a selfless person and a man of character.

    “He has influenced a lot of things about my life – professionally, career-wise, and all. He is just a wonderful person, a father figure, and a generous person.”

  • Enoh affirms gov’t commitment to cycling

    Enoh affirms gov’t commitment to cycling

    • Winners emerge at Pitstop Community Criterium

    The Minister of Sports Development, Sen. John Owan Enoh has said the Federal Government is committed to collaborating with corporate organisations to develop grassroots cycling and encourage greater private-sector involvement.

    Enoh spoke at the monthly cycling race organised by the Pitstop community at Dolphin Estate, Ikoyi area of Lagos.

    He stated that the commitment of President Bola Tinubu’s Agenda for Sports Development in the country by paying apt attention to the various sports and their federations for proper development from the grassroots through to advanced levels is a priority.

    “This is a great event, I met a community very happy with itself, I met a community very excited about the race, very excited about the competition,” Enoh said even as he revealed plans for the cycling federation. “The plan is like every other federation, it is to encourage private initiative of this nature and hoping that what I have watched here can be replicated not just in Lagos but in other cities and other places across the country and like I said, it not just for cycling but for other sports as well and I think the greatest support that the ministry and I can give is making myself accessible.”

    Read Also: FG committed to promoting grassroots cycling, says Enoh

    Meanwhile, winners emerged from the October 2023 Pitstop Lagos Criterium in an event that featured over 50 cyclists covering 15 laps in total at The dolphin loop estimated to be around 2.6 to 2.8 km.

    Isaac Gana crossed the finishing line first as winners got various cash prizes ranging from N250,000 to N40,000.

    “This is my first time, and I am very glad and happy and speechless because I have been planning on winning but it keeps falling out of hand. I’m planning on pushing forward competing in higher stages and I am planning on winning this competition again because winning is a sweet thing,” Gana said.

    The General Manager, Pitstop community, Opeyemi Adegboro explained that the community is made up of professional cyclists and recreational cyclists.

    He said: “The objective of the Pitstop community is to have cyclists who are ready for any competition at any time, we don’t want a situation where there’s a competition and we now start a fire brigade approach.

    “Secondly to develop grassroots cycling, Nigeria has a lot of potential in the sport industry but we are not maximizing this potential.

    “We are excited to see the Minister of Sports in our midst and this is a sign that the grassroots sports development in Nigeria is growing.

    “We are happy with the Tinubu administration and we wish the administration success in every regard.”