No fewer than 188 cyclists have registered to participate in the third edition of the Abuja Capital City Championship top prize slated for Saturday.

Technical Director, Cycling Federation of Nigeria, Bashiru Mohammed, stated this on Thursday in Abuja.

He said that the event is being organised in conjunction with CHENUEL Mobility Solution Limited.

Mr Mohammed said that the championship was earlier scheduled for June 1, but was postponed due to the inauguration of road projects within the FCT.

He said, “This year’s championship will features Men Elite 140km,Women Elite 80km, Men Veteran 60km and Women veteran 30km.’’

The technical director said that the amateur category for schools in the FCT would feature the male 20km and female 15 km race.

He said that cyclists were expected to arrive on June 14, while the championship would start on June 15 and end on June 16.

He stated, “The starting and finishing point will be the Federal Secretariat, Ahmadu Bello way behind Eagle square, by 7 a.m. The championships will be completed in both male and female categories in the elite class, veterans and amateurs’ class from secondary schools within the FCT. The state cycling association/clubs will have six males and six females in the elite class while the veterans will have four male, four female and two officials.

“At the end of the event, there will be medals and certificate presentation to all the winners as well as travelling subsidies for all the external participants coming from states.’’

Mr Mohammed urged Abuja residents to come out to encourage the cyclists.

He said that the championship would foster a good working relationship amongst the cyclists.

“The more the cyclists race the more they will improve on their standards, both at domestic and international level. I am aware of the crucial role the media play in shaping mind-set and facilitating policy direction towards achieving set objectives, so we call on the media to help publicise our activities ,” he said.

According to him, 109 cyclists will compete in the 140 km and 60km while 38 cyclists will compete in the 80 km and 30 km in the female elite class and veterans.

He said that necessary logistics had been put in place to ensure a hitch-free championship.

(NAN)