Lagos Pedals Into History with Africa’s Longest Urban Cycling Race in 2026

Lagos is on the verge of a historic milestone with the launch of the Lagos Gran Fondo EKO 170, a thrilling 170-kilometre urban cycling event scheduled for January 11th, 2026. Open to elite professionals and amateur riders from Nigeria and around the world, this groundbreaking race positions Lagos as a rising powerhouse in African sports tourism and a hub for innovative, sustainable investment across sub-Saharan Africa.

At the official unveiling, Lekan Fatodu, Director-General of the Lagos State Sports Commission, described the EKO 170 as far more than a competition. “This is Lagos declaring its ambition on a global stage, a celebration of innovation, environmental sustainability, and world-class excellence,” he said. The event, he stressed, will ignite healthier communities, drive economic growth, and put Lagos firmly on the international map. “We’re creating an unforgettable experience that promotes active lifestyles while revealing the unstoppable energy of our megacity,” Fatodu added.

Toke Benson-Awoyinka, Lagos State Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, hailed the race as living proof of the city’s emergence as Africa’s premier sportstourism destination. “The EKO 170 fuses stunning coastal views, state-of-the-art infrastructure, and Lagos’s electric cultural heartbeat into one seamless adventure,” she explained. “It will draw thousands of visitors, uplift local neighbourhoods, and showcase why Lagos is unlike anywhere else on the continent.”

Travel and Tour World reports that, backed by the state government, the inaugural edition is projected to attract over 1,000 participants, turning Lagos streets into a colourful festival of endurance and camaraderie. The meticulously designed 170 km closed-road route starts and finishes at the futuristic Eko Atlantic City, sweeping across Victoria Island, the iconic Lekki-Ikoyi Link Bridge, and along the Lekki-Epe Motorway to Epe, and back.

The race cleverly repositions Lagos as a city where African heritage meets cutting-edge ambition. By threading the route through vibrant markets, historic neighbourhoods, and oceanfront boulevards, organisers are crafting an urban cycling experience that transcends sport and becomes a full immersion into Lagos’s soul.

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Adopting the celebrated European “Gran Fondo” mass-participation format on African soil for the first time at this scale clearly signals Lagos’ readiness to host world-calibre events and attract global cycling federations, sponsors, and adventure travellers. With wellness and active-travel trends exploding across the continent, the EKO 170 is likely to inspire sister events in Accra, Nairobi, Cape Town, and beyond.

The ripple effects will extend far beyond Nigeria’s commercial capital, encouraging other African cities to invest in sports infrastructure and position themselves on the global active-tourism map. For now, the continent’s eyes are on Lagos as it prepares to pedal into history with Africa’s longest urban cycling challenge.

Nigeria has seen a sharp acceleration in sports-tourism initiatives since 2023. The Lagos City Marathon (now in its 10th+ year) regularly attracts 100,000+ participants and has generated over ₦10 billion in direct and indirect revenue since inception. Other successes include the Abuja International Marathon, the Access Bank Lagos Polo Tournament, the Copa Lagos Beach Soccer, and the growing ultra-running scene (e.g., the Great Nigerian Ultra). 

The federal government’s 2024–2030 National Sports Industry Policy explicitly targets sports as a $5 billion annual contributor to GDP by 2030, with tourism cited as the primary multiplier. Lagos State alone has committed over ₦50 billion in the past three years to sports facilities and event hosting, reflecting a deliberate pivot from oil dependency toward experience-based economies.

As such, a single well-executed event like EKO 170 can generate ₦15–25 billion in visitor spending (accommodation, food, transport, merchandise) within one weekend. The obvious positive ripple effect is job creation, as thousands of temporary and permanent jobs in event management, hospitality, security, guiding, and retail will be created.

Per infrastructure legacy, closed-road races force upgrades in road surfaces, signage, and public transport integration that benefit residents long-term, while per global visibility, live broadcasts and social media amplification put Lagos (and Nigeria) on itineraries of high-value active travellers who spend 40–60% more than conventional tourists.

Furthermore, the EKO 170 fondo is poised to have a continental domino effect. Success in Lagos will lower perceived risk for investors and sponsors eyeing Kigali, Addis Ababa, Dakar, or Johannesburg for similar Gran Fondos, marathons, or triathlons.

Further, the Grand Fondo is a win for the wellness tourism boom, as Africa’s young, urbanising population is embracing cycling and fitness; events like this capture that domestic market while luring Europeans escaping winter.

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FAQs

1. What exactly is the Lagos Gran Fondo EKO 170? 

The Lagos Gran Fondo EKO 170 is a 170-kilometre mass-participation, closed-road cycling event that will take place on 11 January 2026, catering to both elite and amateur riders, and it will start and finish at Eko Atlantic City.

2. Who can participate in the EKO 170?

Anyone over 18 with a road-worthy bicycle and reasonable fitness. Categories include elite racers, age-group competitors, and recreational riders. International entries are welcome.

3. How is the route designed, and is it safe? 

The fully closed 170 km loop showcases Lagos’s best infrastructure: Eko Atlantic → Victoria Island → Lekki-Ikoyi Bridge → Lekki-Epe Motorway to Epe and back. Extensive security, medical support, and traffic management will be in place.

4. Why is this event important for Nigerian/African tourism?  

It positions Lagos as a world-class sports tourism destination, injects billions into the local economy, creates jobs, inspires similar events across the continent, and promotes health and sustainability.

5. How can I register or attend as a spectator/supporter?  

The Lagos State Sports Commission website will soon open for official registration. Spectators can line the route for free; special viewing zones and finish-line festivals are planned at Eko Atlantic.