Nigeria's mountain bikers will get a shot at qualifying for the 2027 UCI Cycling World Championships in France. This opportunity comes through the 2026 Abuja Chaingang Mountain Bike Festival.
The festival is now a national qualifying event, as announced by Local Organising Committee chairman Olatunji Olanrewaju. He shared this news at the Moshood Abiola National Stadium in Abuja. The festival will celebrate its 10th anniversary on November 21 and 22.
Olanrewaju noted that teaming up with the Cycling Federation of Nigeria (CFN) will help Nigerian cyclists qualify for international events. He added that this will also boost the country’s reputation in mountain biking.
CFN Technical Director Bashir Mohammed explained that the festival will help identify and qualify both male and female cyclists. They will compete in the Cross-Country Short Track and Cross-Country Olympic events at the 2027 championships.
The races will happen at the Sunrise Hills Mountain Bike Course in Asokoro, Abuja. Olanrewaju mentioned that the course is about 4.5 kilometres long. It features steep climbs, rocky descents, and switchbacks, all designed to meet UCI standards.
CFN Secretary-General Joel Akinluwa said, “We have been working together and deploying our professionalism in officiating to ensure that the competition is conducted in line with UCI rules and regulations.”
Organisers expect around 150 participants. The festival will also include a free children's mountain bike race, trail running, a veterans' recreational ride, a city fitness ride, hiking, and camping.
The 2027 UCI Cycling World Championships will take place in Haute-Savoie, France, from August 24 to September 5.
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