Federation explains why Nigerian cyclists used borrowed bikes at Olympics

The Nigeria Cycling Federation (NCF) has clarified that Ese Ukpeseraye, the country’s sole cyclist at the ongoing Paris 2024 Olympic Games, was not initially registered to compete in the track event.

The report went viral after Ukpeseraye posted on his X account that he was participating in the keirin event using a bike borrowed from a German team.

Responding to the reports on Thursday, CFN President Giadomenico Massari explained that the federation had to borrow bikes from its partners because they did not bring them to this year’s Olympics.

Massari clarified that Ukpeseraye had initially only qualified for the Road Race and had travelled to Paris with the equipment needed for the event.

However, Nigeria was later invited to replace Egypt in the keirin and individual sprint events after an Egyptian track athlete was disqualified.

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He noted that track events require special equipment, approved specifically for the Olympics, which typically takes months to ship.

Thanks to their equipment sponsorship, NCF managed to secure bikes for the competition.

Massari further explained that the German team, working with their supporters and sponsors, facilitated the arrangements to ensure Ukpeseraye could compete.

“Our racing bikes, which have been used in world championships, are not approved for use in the Olympics. We only received all the necessary approvals from the UCI (world cycling governing body) and the IOC yesterday.”

He confirmed that Ukpeseraye has been able to train and compete in the keirin and will participate in the individual sprint on Friday.

Federation explains why Nigerian cyclists used borrowed bikes at Olympics first appeared on Latest Nigeria News | Headlines from Ripples Nigeria.