RIVERS STATE CYCLING ASSOCIATION

Cycling is one of the oldest sporting event in Nigeria . In the early 70s, the governing body of the sport was known as Nigeria Amateur Cycling Association. This body over ruled and regulated other bodies formed in then four (4) regions in Nigeria namely: Northern, Western, Mid Western and Eastern regions.

Cycling competition was first organized in Nigeria on 18 th – 24 th November, 1973. Before then, the sport was for leisure, recreation and to keep fit (physical fitness).The national governing body was made up of members nominated and approved from parts of the regions. Cycling is one of the most expensive sports due to cost of equipment and parts which are imported from developed and industrialized countries like Europe, America and Asia. The cost effect, make it difficult for many people or clubs to be involved or procure the special bicycle and outfits.

The first coaching course took place in Kaduna at the Northern part of Nigeria . The second was at Ibadan , and then the third was at the University of Ife , from 19 th August to September, 1976.
After the creation of States from the then four regions, each State formed their Cycling Associations known as State Amateur Cycling Association. This body became the governing board to oversee the development of cycling. The state associations are overruled by the Nigeria Amateur cycling Association, which became known as Cycling Federation of Nigeria.

The Cycling Federation of Nigeria is a member of African Cycling Confederation, and affiliated to International Cycling Union (UCI). Meanwhile, each State Amateur Cycling Association is affiliated to Cycling Federation of Nigeria. Rivers State by this formation has Rivers State Amateur Cycling Association (RSACA). Rivers State Amateur Cycling Association (before Bayelsa was calved out) had governing body to promote and develop cycling sport.Records show that membership would not be less than (5) five and not more than fifteen (15) including the Secretary and the Technical Adviser (Coach).

Rivers State Cycling Association has worked for the development and promotion of cycling in the state. The association has attracted the interest of sports enthusiasts in sponsoring and donation of trophy for competitions and championships. Apart from government financial involvement, some corporate organizations like – Eastern Bulkcem (Eagle Cement) sponsored, 1 st Inter Local Government Areas Cycling race in Port Harcourt on 9 th March, 1990.

This championship was for female Cyclists. The same company sponsored another female race in Port Harcourt on 9 th March, 1991; thereafter it became an annual event. This of course exposed talented Cyclists for the State.
As a result of this discovery of potentials, in the old Rivers State , female cyclist from the state came first during the 1991 Queen of Maltina Independence Cycling Race held in Lagos on 6 th October, 1991 – she is Miss Barbara Omieh.
In the 1989 Maltina Independence Cycling Championship in Lagos gave a Rivers State Cyclist, Abiodun Teyode 3 rd position.

Records of National Festivals had shown that Rivers state Cyclists are rated highly. In Benue from 11 th – 20 th April, Rivers state Cyclist won 2 Gold, 1 Silver and 1 Bronze.

The 14 th National Sports Festival in Abuja , Rivers Cyclist won 2 Silver and 1 Bronze. Rivers State Cyclists had participated in other national competitions with good performances.
The current membership of the Rivers State Cycling Association came on board after the inauguration of the association in October and a subsequent inaugural ceremony of members by the chairman of the association on 22 November, 2005 and projections for 2006 the new Cycling Association Members of the state outlined their aims and objectives as follows:

Vision:
To make cycling a more interesting leisure, hobby and sport. By taking it to a more visible level, harnessing all talents and competitions for championship opportunities through partnership.

Mission:
Together, embracing the challenges and using emerging opportunities and possibilities to win every goal.

Goals:

Going by our plan of action: Our Cyclists were sponsored to participate during one edition of Henry, and Henry open Cycling Championship. Records have it that the cyclists came up with good results and cash awards. In February, 5th 2006 a one day championship (closed) was sponsored by an association member (the Vice Chairman), Engr G. Massari. The championship was very successful and admired by spectators who cheered the events

Cash prizes were awarded to the winners namely: