Godstime Umosen of Team Subsea and Osaretin Godwin of Team Edo emerged winners in the professional men’s and women’s categories, respectively, at the inaugural Ride Abuja Cycling Race held in the Federal Capital Territory.

The 87-kilometre race, organised by the 76 Cycling Club Abuja Roadies on Sunday, October 4, attracted professional and recreational cyclists from Nigeria and abroad.

Umosen crossed the finish line in 2:01:18, edging teammate Daniel Sunday by just one second, while Isah Momoh of the Kaduna State Team finished third in 2:03:43.

In the women’s category, Godwin clocked 2:09:11 to secure victory, narrowly beating teammate Divine Ogbe, who finished one second behind. Treasure Coxsen of Team Subsea completed the podium in 2:09:13.

The professional category winners shared a prize purse of more than ₦6 million.

The event was sanctioned by the Cycling Federation of Nigeria (CFN) and conducted in accordance with the rules of the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI), cycling’s world governing body.

In the recreational categories, Hamza Abubakar, Marcus Wenz and Ayodimeji Olugbewasa finished among the top three men, while Nadia Godis, Shakira Ige and Moonie Ophyong claimed the corresponding positions in the women’s race.

One of the standout moments came from Ian Atfield, a British High Commission staff member living with a disability, who completed the full 87-kilometre course on a recumbent handcycle.

The Cycling Federation of Nigeria’s Technical Director, Mohammed Basheer, expressed the federation’s readiness to support efforts to develop the competition into a national championship.

According to Basheer, such a development would provide Nigerian cyclists with opportunities to earn valuable UCI points needed to improve their chances of qualifying for the World Championships, Olympic Games and Commonwealth Games.

The federation’s Secretary-General, Joel Akinuwa, said the race adhered to UCI regulations and was supported by medical personnel, security agencies, police and road barricades to ensure the safety of participants.

Organising committee chairman Henry Okelue commended the event’s partners and volunteers for their contributions, while 76 Cycling Club captain Katka Gonyak said the turnout reflected growing interest in competitive cycling.

Organisers have pledged to make the race an annual event and called on the Federal Capital Territory Administration to provide further support for its growth.

Beyond the competition, cyclists used the event to highlight the need for safer roads and improved cycling infrastructure.

German cyclist Wenz raised concerns over poor road conditions, damaged drainage systems, uncovered manholes, traffic congestion and the attitude of some motorists towards cyclists. He urged the FCT Administration to address these challenges to make the roads safer for cycling.

Meanwhile, Kaduna-based coach Samaila Usman, who has developed more than 40 cyclists from grassroots to elite level, described the race as an important platform for discovering talents capable of representing Nigeria at major international competitions.

Usman also praised the registration process and overall organisation, saying the event compared favourably with cycling competitions in Europe.

The successful staging of the inaugural race has raised hopes that the competition could become a major fixture on Nigeria’s cycling calendar, providing a platform for talent discovery, elite competition and the wider development of the sport.