The popularity of sports cycling in West Africa is set to move a notch higher as the town of Epe in Lagos State will host cyclists from around the globe.
The maiden edition of the Moorhouse-Epe Cycle Race will hold on Sunday, 30th September, 2018 on the eve of Independence Day. The event, according to Mr. Bruce Prins of Moor House Properties, would be divided into several categories and would accommodate secondary school children, professionals, and veterans (amateurs).
The course will be an 18-kilometre undulating circuit within and around Epe Town on smooth roads newly reconstructed by Lagos State. Participants will take in the main sights of the town, the gateway to Epe, the Marina, and the hinterland. The hilly topography of Epe Town is certain to make for an intense ride. Professional cyclists from around Nigeria, Africa and Europe have already indicated interest to participate in the Moorhouse-Epe Cycle Race.
“We are proud to be part of this because as a hospitality company, we want to promote tourism and this serves as an opportunity to do just that,†said Mr. Bruce Prins of Moor House Properties.
Organisers have confirmed that female participants will race the same distances and have an equal share of prize monies as their male counterparts. Professionals will cover a distance of 108km, while the distance for veterans (amateurs) is 54km. The first, second and third place finishers will be rewarded with $3,000, $2,000 and $1,000 prizes respectively. There will also be lots of consolation prizes to win for the first ten finishers as well as categories for best team and displays of skill, strategy & stamina. A separate race will be held for the schoolchildren over one 18km lap.
Organisers meanwhile have confirmed that The Moorhouse-Epe Cycle Race will be an annual event with backing from the Lagos State Sports Commission who were present at the Press Conference confirming their unflinching support to the race organizers, Moorhouse Properties.
To entertain residents and tourists for the Independence Day weekend of 29th and 30th September and 1st October, 2018, the organisers will be working with the community, that is famous for its fishing, to line up other local events such as a boat regatta, live music at its two prominent leisure resorts, Jubilee Chalets Epe, and Epe Resort, as well as food, drink & entertainment on the newly reconstructed Marina. “A carnival-like weekend is what we anticipate,†project manager, Habiba Balogun said.
Balogun continued: “The purpose of the event is to encourage a healthy and active lifestyle, as well as to promote Epe Town as a tourism destination.†The promoters of the event, Moorhouse Properties manage the two main leisure resorts in the area, Jubilee Chalets Epe, and Epe Resort. Other major sponsors for this event will be announced in the coming months.
