By Samuel Adeola
Nigeria’s first female Olympic cyclist, Ese Ukpeseraye, has announced her retirement from professional cycling at the age of 26.
Ukpeseraye disclosed this on X, saying she was stepping away “with a deep sense of pride and peace,” and expressed gratitude for the achievements and memories recorded during her career.
She represented Nigeria at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, competing in the women’s road race. Her participation drew global attention after she revealed she borrowed a bicycle from the German team to take part in additional track events.
Post-Olympics, she raced in Europe with CANYON//SRAM Zondacrypto, finishing 14th at the Veenendaal–Veenendaal Classic.
Ukpeseraye bows out as a multiple African champion and an eight-time gold medallist at the 2022 National Sports Festival in Asaba.
