Controversy has arisen as Nigerian cyclist Ese Lovina Ukpeseraye reportedly borrowed a bicycle to compete in the keirin and sprint events, following a last-minute notification of her participation. Finding herself in the unusual situation of not having a bicycle for the race, Ukpeseraye sought assistance from the German cycling team.
She received the much-needed support from the German team, who graciously allowed her to use one of their bicycles. Ukpeseraye later took to social media platform X to share her ordeal, stating, “Due to the short notice of me competing in the keirin and sprint, #teamNigeria, I had no bicycle to race with on the tracks.”
However, the Cycling Federation of Nigeria (CFN) clarified the situation, stating that the narrative of Ukpeseraye being without a bicycle was not entirely accurate. The CFN explained that Ukpeseraye had originally qualified for the Road Race and was fully prepared in terms of training and equipment for that event. Her participation in the two track events—keirin and individual sprint—was a last-minute decision following the disqualification of an Egyptian athlete.
CFN President Engr. Giadomenico Massari further explained that the track events require very specific equipment, which must be approved for the Olympic track events and typically takes several months to be delivered. He added that the German team, in partnership with Nigeria's supporters and sponsors, provided the bicycle to ensure Ukpeseraye did not miss the competition. Unfortunately, Ukpeseraye failed to advance in the race, as she was eliminated after a crash.
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