Lagos is set to become a global hub for sports tourism with the debut of the 170-kilometre Lagos Gran Fondo cycling event tagged ‘EKO 170’ on January 11, 2026.
The citywide challenge aims to promote healthy living, sustainable mobility, and showcase Lagos’s infrastructure, coastal beauty, and vibrant culture.
Endorsed by the Lagos State Government, organisers say EKO 170 aligns with the administration’s six strategic development pillars: traffic management and transportation, health and environment, education and technology, building a 21st-century economy, entertainment and tourism, and security and governance. More than 1,000 cyclists — including elite professionals and amateur enthusiasts from Nigeria and abroad — are expected to participate.
“EKO 170 demonstrates Lagos’s commitment to innovation, sustainability, and global excellence. This event underscores our readiness to host world-class experiences that inspire healthier lifestyles and reinforce Lagos’s reputation as Africa’s model megacity,” Director General of the Lagos State Sports Commission, Lekan Fatodu, said.
The 170km route begins and ends at Eko Atlantic City, taking participants through Victoria Island, the Lekki-Ikoyi Link Bridge, and the Lekki–Epe Expressway to Epe before returning to a grand finish. Developed in collaboration with the Ministry of Transportation and LASTMA, the route is designed to ensure minimal traffic disruption and maximum safety for residents and participants.
Commenting on the broader impact, the state Commissioner for Tourism, Arts, and Culture, Mrs. Toke Benson-Awoyinka, said, “The cycling challenge highlights Lagos’s potential as a global sports tourism destination. It blends our city’s world-class infrastructure, coastal beauty, and vibrant cultural energy into an experience that will attract visitors, empower local communities, and inspire healthier lifestyles.”
Beyond race day, EKO 170 will also embark on youth cycling clinics, a Lagos Cycling Development Fund, and a tree-planting initiative targeting 2,500 new trees across the state. Organisers, in partnership with the Ministry of Environment, LAWMA, and the Office of Sustainable Development Goals, aim to deliver a zero-waste, carbon-neutral event using recycling, biodegradable materials, and reusable containers.
