Ace teenage athlete, Ogurinde Oladele, emerged winner of the 2025 edition of the Abuja Bikers Race.

The teenage cyclist finished first at the fourth edition of the tournament held in Kubwa at the weekend.

In an electrifying display of speed and skill, Oladele who also won the 2024 edition of the race, crossed the finish line before other bikers, marking his position as a fast-rising star in cycling.

The thrilling competition brought together cycling enthusiasts from across the Federal Capital Territory in their numbers to support their contestants.

Oladele speaking on the sidelines of the event said that the victory was a result of proper preparation and hard work.

He said his commitment to the sport was fuelled by an ambition to participate in the Olympics and other global cycling championships in future.

He noted, “I feel great about this win, and it is all about hard work, determination and focusing on one’s goals. I am not just doing this for now, I’m looking forward to representing Nigeria at the Olympics, world championships, and other major international races. I want to gain more power and prepare well for what’s ahead.’’

Also speaking, the first female cyclist to cross the finish line, Monalisa Joseph, said: “I’m happy because I just trained on Thursday, and that was all. But I stayed determined.”

The official tournament coach, Peter Japhet, commended the performance of all participants, adding that the youngsters did far more than he had expected.

 “With little training, they showed strength and focus. Parents need to support their children by encouraging regular physical activity. Fitness should go beyond this event,” he said.

A co-organiser of the annual event, Izin Adaghe, highlighted the growth of the race over the years.

 “This is the fourth edition, and it keeps getting better; the children gave us a real competition,” she said.

Also, a core organiser of the bikers’ race, Marian Oluwa pidan, emphasised the broader vision behind the tournament.

According to her, the tournament is part of a larger movement to promote biking culture in Nigeria.

She called on the government at all levels to provide more support, including better safety measures and dedicated days for cycling.

She said, “Every time we watch the Olympics, we see countries such as France, Italy, and Germany. We don’t see Nigerians, and that has to change. We have the energy, the talent, and the passion, so cycling must become a serious sport in Nigeria. We need roads where kids can train without fear of traffic. And it’s not just about the helmets and elbow pads; it’s about creating a culture where cycling is respected.’’

(NAN)