Lagos is set for a major sporting and tourism boost with the launch of the Lagos Gran Fondo “EKO 170”, a 170-kilometre international cycling challenge debuting on 11 January 2026.
More than 1,000 cyclists, including elite professionals and amateur riders from Nigeria and across the globe, are expected to participate in the inaugural edition.
The event aims to position Lagos as a leading destination for sports tourism, healthy lifestyles, and sustainable urban mobility, while spotlighting the city’s coastal landscape, modern infrastructure, and vibrant culture.
In partnership with the Ministry of Environment, LAWMA, and the Office of Sustainable Development Goals, organisers have committed to hosting a zero-waste, carbon-neutral event.
The sustainability blueprint includes robust recycling efforts, the use of biodegradable materials, and reusable hydration containers.
The impact of the EKO 170 will extend far beyond race day.
Organisers are rolling out youth cycling clinics, establishing a Lagos Cycling Development Fund, and launching a tree-planting campaign that will see 2,500 new trees planted across the state.
The race route starts and finishes at Eko Atlantic City, connecting Victoria Island, the Lekki-Ikoyi Link Bridge, and stretching along the Lekki-Epe Expressway to Epe before looping back for a spectacular finish.
With its blend of athletic challenge, environmental responsibility, and community development, the EKO 170 is set to become one of Africa’s most exciting and impactful cycling events.
Reporting by Kelechi Bernard