The 2026 event, scheduled for Saturday, December 12, will be held under the theme, “Water is Life,” using the popularity of cycling to raise awareness about the need to protect water resources and promote sustainable environmental practices.
Organisers said the upcoming edition would build on the success of the inaugural event in 2025, which attracted more than 1,000 cyclists and enthusiasts from different parts of Nigeria. The maiden edition was described as a landmark for competitive cycling in Northern Nigeria, helping to draw attention to the sport’s potential for youth development, tourism and healthy living.
In a statement released on Tuesday, the President and Chief Executive Officer of Cycling Africa, Bamidele Adeleye, credited the Kano State Government’s support for the success of the inaugural event, commending Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf for promoting sports as a means of engaging young people and expanding economic opportunities.
Adeleye said the second edition would feature expanded competitive categories, improved route safety and greater opportunities to identify and nurture emerging cycling talents.
He added that the event would extend beyond sporting competition to address environmental concerns affecting communities across the state and the country.
“Beyond the race itself, Cycling Kano 2026 will serve as a platform for community dialogue, advocacy, and awareness on water-related issues—amplifying the message that every drop counts and that collective action is essential to safeguarding water for future generations,” he said.
Explaining the motivation behind this year’s theme, Adeleye said the organisers hoped to bring communities, cyclists and relevant stakeholders together to encourage practical conversations about water management and the effects of climate change.
“The second edition of Cycling Kano represents our commitment to building a lasting cycling culture in Northern Nigeria, and this year we ride with purpose.
“‘Water is Life’ is not just a theme—it is a call to action. By bringing cyclists, communities, and stakeholders together, we hope to spark meaningful conversations about clean water access, conservation, and the impact of climate change on our cities and rural areas,” he said.
The organisers also intend to use the event to provide a stronger platform for athletes following the performances recorded at the inaugural competition.
“Following the remarkable performances we witnessed in 2025—from professional cyclists like Isa Momoh to young talents like Mubarak Auwal and Islam Yau Abubakar—we are eager to provide an even bigger platform for athletes to excel while championing a cause that affects us all,” Adeleye added.
Race to begin at Emir’s Palace
According to the organisers, the race will commence at the historic Emir’s Palace in Kano, with participants traversing key routes across the city before finishing at a location designed to celebrate the state’s rich cultural heritage.
The event will also feature public awareness activities along the route, including water conservation advocacy points and collaborations with organisations working in environmental protection and water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH).
These initiatives are expected to strengthen the link between sporting activities and public education, encouraging participants and spectators to consider the importance of protecting water sources and improving access to safe water.
Cycling Africa said an online registration portal would be unveiled in November for interested participants to register ahead of the December event.
The organisers expect the competition to attract cyclists, cycling clubs, sports enthusiasts, families and other participants from Kano and beyond, further promoting cycling as a means of recreation, competitive sport and environmentally friendly transportation.
Organisers seek stronger partnerships
The 2025 edition received sponsorship from the Kano State Government and Union Bank of Nigeria, with additional support from Flour Mills of Nigeria, FrieslandCampina WAMCO Nigeria and Cway.
For the second edition, the organisers are expected to continue engaging potential sponsors, partners and participants as preparations gather momentum.
Interested individuals and organisations seeking sponsorship, partnership or participation information can contact the organisers via cyclingkano@gmail.com or call 07033956609.
Cycling Africa, the organisation responsible for Cycling Lagos and Cycling Kano, promotes cycling as a platform for sports development, tourism, healthy living and economic opportunity across the continent.
With the “Water is Life” campaign at the centre of the 2026 edition, Cycling Kano aims to combine sporting excellence with environmental awareness while strengthening the growing cycling culture in Northern Nigeria.