Akwa Ibom State is set to host the 2026 La Reine Cycling Marathon, a national cycling event that will bring together amateur and professional cyclists from across the country. The event, scheduled to take place from October 26 to November 1, aims to showcase the potential of Nigerian youths and discover new talents in the sport. According to Maobong Umoh, the competition convener, the event will not only feature racing but also showcase the state's beauty and tourism potential.
The 2026 La Reine Cycling Marathon has been sanctioned by the Cycling Federation of Nigeria (CFN) and the Union Cycliste Internationale, ensuring that the event complies with international cycling rules and standards. The competition will feature various categories, including professional elite men and women, amateur, junior, intermediate, veterans, and fun-rider categories. This diverse range of categories is expected to attract a large pool of participants from across the country.
The event is seen as a significant step towards promoting wellness and putting Akwa Ibom on the global cycling map. According to Ms Umoh, the project demonstrates that Nigerian women can champion world-class sports initiatives. The event is also expected to boost tourism in the state by showcasing the beauty of Uyo and providing a suitable terrain and infrastructure for cycling.
To ensure the safety of participants and other road users, organisers have mapped out routes and provided ambulances, road marshals, Federal Road Safety Corps personnel, and medical teams. These measures are designed to mitigate potential risks and ensure a smooth and successful event. The convener expressed confidence that the marathon would achieve its objectives and leave a lasting impact on the state's sports landscape.
The 2026 La Reine Cycling Marathon is also expected to provide a platform for promoting women's participation in sports. According to Ms Umoh, the event is a movement that will redefine wellness and promote women's empowerment through sports. The event's focus on women's participation is seen as a significant step towards promoting gender equality in sports.
Emmanuel Akpan, chairman of the Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Akwa Ibom Chapter, has commended the initiative and assured organisers that SWAN members would provide adequate publicity for the cycling marathon. The event's success is expected to depend on the level of publicity and media coverage it receives. Organisers have appealed for media partnerships to publicise the event and attract a larger audience.
Cash prizes and wellness packages from La Reine Cycling Club will be announced in October, adding an extra layer of excitement to the event. The 2026 La Reine Cycling Marathon promises to be a significant event in Nigeria's sports calendar, with its focus on promoting wellness, tourism, and women's participation in sports. The event's impact is expected to be felt beyond the state's borders, with potential to inspire a new generation of cyclists and sports enthusiasts.
Key points
- The 2026 La Reine Cycling Marathon will feature various categories, including professional elite men and women, amateur, junior, intermediate, veterans, and fun-rider categories.
- The event aims to showcase the potential of Nigerian youths and discover new talents in the sport.
- The marathon is expected to boost tourism in Akwa Ibom State by showcasing its beauty and providing a suitable terrain and infrastructure for cycling.
