Abuja Changing MTB Festival Produces New Champions
Mpape came alive in a blaze of heat, dust and raw determination as athletes battled through some of Abuja’s toughest terrain at the 4th Chaingang MTB Festival, themed “Be Ya Gnu Abuja Pe, Let’s Go To The Abuja Mountains.”
From the opening climb, the competition turned fierce.
Fanam Rumum stole the spotlight in the men’s 42km race, powering to victory in 1:43:00 and dethroning the defending champion.
Joel Berry Monday chased hard but settled for second, while former champion Emmanuel Ani fought his way into third.
The drama continued in the women’s race.
Mary Sunday surged past the 2024 champion, winning in 2:04:39, with just seconds separating her from Sylvia Odom and Suzzie Angmun, evidence of the rising intensity in women’s MTB racing.
The 20km trail run turned out to be even more brutal, longer than last year and run under a blistering 32°C.
Plateau State’s Julius Kiv dominated the men’s race, while Barbara Kirsch claimed the women’s title.
By the time competitors rolled into the famous Mpape Crushed Rocks, the finish zone felt like a mini-festival, live music, cultural performances, cheering crowds and athletes collapsing in triumph.
Organisers maintained tight safety measures, with marshals on dangerous bends, hydration points every two kilometres and medical teams on standby, ensuring a seamless event despite the rugged landscape.
In the end, Mpape delivered its signature mix of beauty, brutality and unforgettable victory.
Follow the Savinews Africa channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VawgaEL5vKA9Y5XTFg0n
