CFN cleared air surrounding claims by Ese Ukpeseraye in Paris 2024 Olympic
President of Cycling Federation of Nigeria ( CFN) Giandomenico Massari has cleared the air surrounding claims by cyclist, Ese Ukpeseraye that she had to borrow a bicycle to race in the Keirin track event.
Ukpeseraye stated this via her official X-handle on Thursday : “Due to the short notice of me competing at the Keirin & Sprint, #teamNigeria had no bicycle to race with on the tracks. In the spirit of sportsmanship, the German team @bunddeutscherradfahr came to my rescue by offering me a bicycle. Thank you.”
Massari said “My attention has been called to a post on social media by Ukpeseraye. After reading the post and some follow up comments, i swung into action. It is important i make some clarifications. Let put the facts straight.”
According to him, CFN has initially been qualified for one road race in cycling and we have prepared for it in terms of training and the appropriate competition equipment.
“ Just two weeks ago , when we (Team Nigeria) were in Paris , we received a communication from the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) this is the world governing body of Cycling,that due to the disqualification of the Egyptian Track athlete for two races Kerin and individual sprint.
“ Team Nigeria are the next qualified for the two races, to make the list of qualified countries to compete, ” Massari said.
He said , this additional slot required the use of a different competition equipment in terms of biking.
“ For this track race allocated to team Nigeria, a very special equipment is required.
“ It requires a very special equipment (approved specifically for the Olympic track game ).
He said that it will required many months before it can be delivered and via our supporter and equipment sponsors , we were able to get the bike for the competition for Ukpeseraye to compete.
He then emphasized that the German team is in partnership with our supporters and sponsors and the arrangement has been made to prevent missing the competition.
“Our track bikes which have been used for world championship cannot be used because they are not approved for Olympic.
“ Then we got all the approval by UCI and Olympic and on Thursday Ukpeseraye has been able to train and race in kerin,” Massari confirmed.
“ Today, she will race in individual sprint . I don’t know why she posted that statement that is not tally with the reality.These are the facts about what has happened,” he stated.
Ukpeseraye, is Nigeria’s first-ever cyclist to compete in both track and road races at the Paris 2024 Olympics.
She participated in the cycling road event, but due to a Did not finish (DNF), her time was not recorded .
