Image source: Lagos Cyclers Club
Lagos is set to host the first-ever EKO 170 Gran Fondo Cycling Challenge, welcoming top cyclists from around the world to Nigeria.
Nigeria’s commercial hub, Lagos State, is set to host thousands of cyclists from around the world in the vibrant city for the inaugural Lagos Gran Fondo. Both professional and amateur riders will come together for the 170-kilometer race as they pedal toward victory.
Scheduled for January 11th, 2026, the EKO 170 Gran Fondo aims to position Lagos as a premier destination for sports tourism worldwide. The event will celebrate Lagos state’s vibrant culture, stunning coastal heritage, artistic landscapes, developing infrastructure, and establish Lagos as a hub for sports tourism, healthy living, and sustainable mobility.
During the event’s inauguration, Lagos State Sports Commission Director General Lekan Fatodu stated: “EKO 170 demonstrates Lagos’s commitment to innovation, sustainability, and global excellence. This event highlights our readiness to host world-class experiences that promote healthier lifestyles and reinforce Lagos’s reputation as Africa’s leading megacity.”
The 170km route starts at the prestigious Eko Atlantic City, passing through Victoria Island, the Lekki-Ikoyi Link Bridge, and the Lekki–Epe Expressway to Epe, before looping back to a grand finish at Eko Atlantic City.
Carefully planned through extensive research by the Ministry of Transportation and LASTMA, the route ensures maximum safety for participants and residents, minimizes traffic disruptions, and offers scenic views along the way.
The Commissioner for Tourism, Arts, and Culture, Mrs. Toke Benson-Awoyinka, highlighted the event’s economic potential for Lagos, saying: “The Cycling Challenge is a reminder of Lagos’s vast potential as a global sports tourism destination. This event combines our city’s coastal beauty, top-notch infrastructure, and vibrant cultural scene into an experience that will attract visitors, support local communities, and encourage healthier lifestyles. As we welcome cyclists from Nigeria and around the world, the Ministry of Tourism is proud to support an initiative that boosts our creative economy, small businesses, and showcases the best of Lagos.”
EKO 170 aligns with Lagos State Government’s six strategic development priorities, including traffic management, transportation, health, environment, education, and technology.
Beyond the race, the event offers youth cycling clinics, the Lagos Cycling Development Fund, and a tree-planting project aimed at planting 2,500 new trees across the state. Organizers will implement green initiatives such as recycling, biodegradable materials, and reusable containers, in partnership with the Office of Sustainable Development Goals, to ensure a zero-waste event and reduce the environmental impact across Lagos.
The inaugural Eko Gran Fondo Cycling Challenge has received enthusiastic responses and sparked widespread celebrations throughout Nigeria. It’s more than just a race; it’s an event that opens doors for sports tourism, economic development, cultural exchange, and sustainable living.
