Ride Abuja 2026 is an open cycling race that will cover 87km with the first 4km neutralized. It will have partial road closures.

1.Official Race Authority

The Chief Commissaire Mr. Mohammed Bashir of the Cycling Federation of Nigeria has the ultimate authority over the race rules and safety protocols.

2. Race Program

3. Course Hazards

Refer to the Race Directions that can be found by clicking here for comprehensive information on the race course including potential hazards.

4. Traffic and Race Course

Ride Abuja 2026 deploys a hybrid course with open roads in parts of the course and partially closed roads in others. The race has been deliberately set on a Sunday morning to take advantage of reduced traffic. The race will be 100% on paved roads. Cyclists are advised to obey road traffic management and marshal’s instructions throughout. Also, riders are advised to keep an eye out for traffic instructions on the road.

5. Start line Arrangement

To increase safety and the smooth flow of the race, especially in the first few kilometers, the following will apply:

1. Participants registered as pros will start at the front.
2. Slower participants are to stay on the right side of the course while faster participants keep to the left.
3. Time cut-off

Time cut-off will be enforced for the race. Riders who do not cross Km 39.5 within 2hrs and 15 mins of the start of the race will not be allowed to continue and will be transported back to Eagle Square and will not be eligible for a finisher’s medal. The organizers will not be able to support any incident that happen to riders who insist on continuing after the cut-off.

6. Neutralized Sections and Feed Zones

The first 4km of the race will be neutralized with cyclists riding behind the lead car which will be moving at 18km/hr until the Chief Commissaire waves off for racing to commence at Km 0. Any cyclists that do not abide by this instruction will be automatically disqualified. There won’t be any feed zones on the route, but two hydration points will be available around Km 22 (on Lugbe Bridge) and around Km 57 (on Linda Chalker Street after Sunrise Hill). Each hydration point will also serve as a mechanic station. Team support vehicles (including motorcycles) are prohibited on the route except at designated hydration points. Attempts to subvert this directive will lead to the disqualification of the rider(s) involved. Ride Abuja will provide SAGs where cyclists can collect water on the move.

7. Communication and Etiquette

While this is a competitive race, cyclists are encouraged to look out for each other so as to make the race as incident free as possible. Riders are encouraged to communicate, call out hazards and obstacles on the route.

8. Allowed Equipment

This is a road cycling race. However, mountain Bikes and hybrids are allowed. Handcycle, recumbent trike, and foot-steered trike is also allowed for riders living with disability. E-Bikes are totally prohibited from the race.

9. Identified Potential Hazard Points

•  Open Manholes between Km 37 and Km 39. Avoid the middle of the road in this area. Look out for marshals and signages.
• Sharp right turn at the end of the descent from Bala Mohammed Way at Km 62. Please slow down on approach and pay attention to marshal instructions.
• Potential Crowd and public vehicle movement around Km 78. Be at alert and watch out for marshal instructions.

10. Medals and Prizes

Podium finishers will be presented with medals and prizes on the stage in an award ceremony at the event, while other finishers will be directed to an area for medal collection immediately after the finish line. Only cyclists with bibs pinned to their jerseys will receive medals. No bib, no medal.

11. Race Directions Description
Please note that

• • The distances (km) are approximate. For more precise points please study the official race GPX/KML files that you can download from rideabuja.com/route.
  • The Race will have partial road closures.

Download Race Directions

12. Ride Safety Instructions for Marshals

1. • In the event of an incident or need for help, please call Race Control on 07031646337 or 08065603293 and report clearly in the format below:
     LOCATION → INCIDENT → RIDER COUNT/STATUS → ACTION REQUIREDExample: “Race Control, Marshal 12, Km 55, rider down, one rider, conscious, medical assistance required.”
   • Do not use ambiguous instructions such as “go that way.” Use clear left/right/straight instructions and identify the landmark or junction.
   • If a marshal position becomes unsafe, withdraw to a safe position and notify Race Control immediately.
   • Never stand in the live path of the peloton or on the apex of a blind bend.
   • Give directional signals early and visibly; do not make last-second movements.
   • Keep motorcycles, support vehicles and personal vehicles off the racing line.
   • At climbs and descents, watch for rider overlap, mechanical failures, loose equipment and sudden changes in speed.