Abuja Mountain Bike Festival to qualify cyclists for 2027 World Championships

The 2026 Abuja Chaingang Mountain Bike (MTB) Festival has been designated as a national qualifying competition for the 2027 Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) Cycling World Championships in France. This partnership with the Cycling Federation of Nigeria (CFN) aims to provide local cyclists with pathways to international competition and elevate Nigeria’s standing in the sport.

The upcoming 10th anniversary edition is scheduled for November 21 and 22. The event will focus on the Cross-Country Short Track (XCC) and Cross-Country Olympic (XCO) formats to identify male and female athletes for the 2027 championships. This marks a shift from previous editions that featured the Cross-Country Marathon (XCM) endurance format.

Organizers will also unveil the Sunrise Hills Mountain Bike Course in Asokoro, Abuja. The 4.5-kilometre course was developed according to UCI guidelines and features steep climbs and rocky descents. In addition to professional racing, the festival will include trail runs, children’s races, and recreational rides.