Kaduna Cycling Association to Introduce Monthly State Race

The Kaduna State Cycling Association plans to introduce a monthly state race for cyclists, a move it says will raise the standard of the sport and draw more young people into it.

Usman said the monthly race would not only improve standards but also attract more participants to cycling in the state. According to him, regular competition benefits cyclists, local communities and event organisers alike, and drives athlete development, community engagement and long-term physical health.

 

"These monthly races help in developing the performance of the athletes and also bring youth into the cycling sport. The monthly race will also make the state dominant in the cycling sport in the country," he said.

 

He explained that cyclists train more consistently when they have a fixed, recurring deadline, and that a monthly race gives athletes a clear short-term goal to stay focused on.

 

Usman noted that racing demands specific skills such as drafting, cornering in a pack and tactical positioning, which riders can only sharpen in competition.

 

"Frequent racing allows cyclists to test strategies, learn from mistakes, and improve much faster than they would through solo training," he said.

 

He added that the monthly events would also serve as a fitness benchmark, allowing cyclists to measure gains in power, endurance and pacing under the same or similar race conditions.

 

Usman said the monthly race would also help riders stay motivated throughout the year.

 

"It is easy to lose focus during a long 'off-season' but monthly events eliminate long gaps without competition, preventing burnout and keeping motivation levels high year-round," he said.

 

He appealed to individuals, companies and other stakeholders to sponsor the monthly competition, as is already done in Lagos, Port Harcourt and other places, including neighbouring states.

 

Usman said Kaduna took part in the just-concluded Abuja National Cycling Championship and performed extremely well.

 

"Kaduna state presented one of the best teams in terms of grassroots and also did very well at the competition, excelling with podium finishing medals at the finish of the race," he said.

 

He described Kaduna as a "home of champions", saying the state had produced many cyclists who have represented Nigeria at home and abroad.

 

"We have produced cyclists that represent the country at the All Africa Games, World Championship, Commonwealth Games, Junior Olympic, Olympic, and many more champions—and not only the representation, they won medals for the country," he said.

 

According to Usman, the success would not have been possible without a grassroots programme, which he said aligned with the agenda of Gov. Uba Sani's administration.

 

He thanked Sani and the state Commissioner for Sports for supporting the team that competed at the championship in Abuja.