‎ By Hosea Parah
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‎Akwa Ibom State is set to host the 2026 La Reine Cycling Marathon, featuring amateur and professional cyclists from across the country.
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‎Yhe competition convener, Maobong Umoh, who disclosed this at a news conference

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said the competition, which runs from October 26 to November 1, is aimed at showcasing the potential of Nigerian youths and discovering new talents.

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‎According to her, the competition would go beyond racing to showcase the state’s beauty and tourism potential.
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‎”We are not just launching a marathon, but a movement that will redefine wellness and put Akwa Ibom on the global cycling map,” she said.
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‎Ms Umoh said the project also demonstrated that Nigerian women could champion world-class sports initiatives.
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‎”Most importantly, the event is the first of its kind,” she added.
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‎She said the race had been sanctioned by the Cycling Federation of Nigeria (CFN) and the Union Cycliste Internationale.
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‎According to her, the event would comply strictly with cycling rules governed by international standards.
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‎Ms Umoh said the marathon will feature professional elite men and women, amateur, junior, intermediate, veterans and fun-rider categories.
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‎She said cash prizes and wellness packages from La Reine Cycling Club would be announced in October.

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‎The convener said organisers have mapped out routes and provided ambulances, road marshals, Federal Road Safety Corps personnel and medical teams.
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‎”The measures are designed to ensure safety of participants and other road users throughout the event,” she said.
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‎Ms Umoh expressed confidence that the marathon would boost tourism by showcasing the beauty of Uyo and providing suitable terrain and infrastructure for cycling.
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‎She commended members of the organising committee for their sacrifices and appealed for media partnerships to publicise the event.
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‎Also speaking, Emmanuel Akpan, Chairman, Sports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN), Akwa Ibom Chapter, commended the initiative.
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‎He assured the organisers that SWAN members would provide adequate publicity for the cycling marathon.