The announcement, made on Tuesday in Lagos, is part of Cycling Africa’s broader vision to use cycling as a vehicle for sports development, tourism, healthy living, environmental sustainability, youth engagement and economic empowerment.
Speaking on the development, President and Chief Executive Officer of Cycling Africa, Bamidele Adeleye, said the new management structure would provide a more coordinated and professional approach to growing the two flagship events while creating opportunities for strategic partnerships and continental expansion.
According to him, Cycling Africa will oversee professional event management, strategic partnerships, marketing, sponsorship development, event production and expansion opportunities for Cycling Lagos, Cycling Kano and other initiatives currently in the pipeline.
He added that BrandEscort would continue to provide media support for the events.
"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.
Building on Cycling Lagos and Kano
Adeleye said Cycling Lagos, which is preparing for its fifth edition, has evolved over the years into one of Nigeria’s notable cycling events, attracting professional and recreational cyclists, children, families, corporate organisations, government agencies and cycling enthusiasts.
He said the event has provided an avenue for people from different backgrounds to embrace cycling while promoting fitness, recreation, community participation and environmental awareness.
“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," Adeleye stated.
The new management structure is expected to provide a common platform through which the two events can strengthen their existing partnerships while attracting new sponsors, participants and institutional stakeholders.
Africa-Wide Expansion Plan
Adeleye disclosed that the long-term objective is to take the models developed through Cycling Lagos and Cycling Kano beyond Nigeria by introducing cycling events and related initiatives in selected African cities.
“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 noted that the initiative is based on the belief that cycling can play a broader role in Africa’s development beyond sport and recreation.
According to him, cycling has significant potential in areas such as youth engagement, transportation, tourism, fitness, environmental sustainability, job creation and community development.
The expansion programme will therefore focus on identifying strategic cities across Africa where new cycling events can be introduced or existing cycling initiatives strengthened.
Partnerships at the Centre of the Initiative
The Cycling Africa chief executive also disclosed plans to establish partnerships with governments, corporate organisations, international development institutions, cycling associations, tourism agencies and environmental organisations.
He said such collaborations would be critical to developing sustainable cycling programmes capable of delivering long-term benefits to communities and supporting the growth of cycling infrastructure and participation across the continent.
The initiative is also expected to create opportunities for businesses and brands to connect with growing cycling communities while promoting healthier lifestyles and environmentally responsible practices.
Cycling Lagos 2026 Set for September
The announcement comes ahead of the fifth edition of Cycling Lagos, scheduled for Saturday, September 12, 2026, at the National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos.
The 2026 edition is themed “Trash to Treasure,” reflecting the organisers’ increasing emphasis on environmental sustainability, recycling and responsible waste management.
The event is expected to bring together professional and recreational cyclists, children, families, corporate participants and cycling enthusiasts.
Beyond the sporting activities, the organisers said the event will provide a platform for stakeholders to raise awareness about sustainable transportation, recycling and responsible environmental practices.
With the new management structure and its proposed continental expansion, Cycling Africa is positioning Cycling Lagos and Cycling Kano as the foundation of a wider African cycling movement aimed at connecting communities and cities while using sport to promote healthier people, cleaner environments and stronger tourism and economic opportunities.