By Obaseki Anthony on February 25, 2020

Edo State Cycling Coach Bello Orogho has assured all that Team Edo will win the first edition of Masvi Invitational cycling road race billed for Owan West on February 29, 2020.

Speaking in Benin at the end of the cycling event of the Edo State Sports Festival last week Orogho said his cyclists impressed him so well and that he has the confidence that Team Edo will beat others during the Masvi-sponsored invitational road race.

“My cyclists are in top form having done very well in the just concluded Edo sports festival.

We are confident that Team Edo has what it takes to win Masvi Invitational cycling race come on the 29th.

“Apart from the great cyclists we have for the National Sports Festival we discovered some young talents during the Edo State festival,” he said.

The Owan East-born coach showered encomium on the Chairman of Owan West Local Government Area, Hon. Frank Ilaboya, for identifying with cycling in Edo State and for his encouragement.

“The cyclists have vowed to win the male and female races for the Honourable Chairman. He has been a source of inspiration to team Edo cyclists and the only way to reward his efforts is to strive hard to win the race taking place in his local government area,” Orogho said.

He added that Ilaboya has set the ball rolling towards a successful outing for Team Edo in the forthcoming National Sports Festival holding in Benin City from March 21 to April 1, 2020.

“He is doing his best to see that we excel in Edo 2020. What is left for us now is for us to reciprocate and win the Cycling event of the National Sports Festival,” Orogho said.

Owan West placed second behind Ikpoba Okha Local Government Area in the Edo State Sports Festival. Reacting, Ilaboya said the performance of Team Edo cyclists in the National  Sports Festival is paramount to him hence he decided to pay particular attention to the cyclists during the races at  the just concluded state festival.

The former Edo State Football Association Chairman said he will do everything within his power to prepare the Edo State cyclists for the National Sports Festival. “I am aware that cycling has over 16, gold , 16 silver,  and 16 bronze medals and that with adequate preparation of Team Edo cyclists, they can win majority of these medals and that is why we are offering our support to them, and with what I am seeing, we can achieve that,” Hon Ilaboya said.

He also expressed appreciation to the sponsor, Mr Sunday Ajayi, for buying into the vision, saying: “Mr Ajayi has always been there for us. He is so passionate about the welfare of our youths and ready to support us.

“His sponsorship of this race will no doubt impact positively on the overall well-being of the local government. He is a great man any time any day.”

Meanwhile, Ogun, Lagos, Anambra, Rivers, Oyo, Delta, Cross River and Edo have all registered for the road race which is the first competition in cycling calendar in 2020.

•PHOTO: Nigerian cyclists in action

Source Daily Sports

Posted February 25, 2020

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