Known as the ‘Jewel of the Rift Valley’, Adama is strengthening its reputation as one of Ethiopia’s emerging sports destinations after hosting the inaugural Adama Bike Race, an event that combined elite competition with a broader mission to revive the country’s cycling culture, promote healthy living and position the city as a hub for sport tourism.
The race was organised by Adama City Administration, in partnership with the Oromia Culture and Tourism Bureau, the Oromia Tourism Commission, Victory Event Production (VEP), the Ethiopian Cycling Federation, the Oromia Cycling Federation and other partners.
Broadcast live on Oromia Broadcasting Network (OBN), the event showcased Adama’s newly developed green corridors, modern public spaces and the recently inaugurated City Arena, giving the inaugural race national visibility while highlighting the city’s growing ambitions as a sporting destination.
The event follows other major sporting initiatives hosted by Adama, including a recent rally competition, reflecting the city’s ambition to build a wider calendar of sporting events. Located in Oromia—a region known for producing many of Ethiopia’s world-renowned athletes—Adama is increasingly investing in sport as part of its wider urban development strategy.
In the elite men’s 70-kilometre race, Fuad Shamil of Shaggar City Cycling Club claimed victory ahead of Solomon Alemu of Addis Ababa City Cycling Club, while Yabsira Kassahun, also representing Shaggar City, finished third.
Elite women’s racing over 40 kilometres was also held, alongside a 10-kilometre community ride that attracted approximately 190 recreational cyclists. Around 120 elite riders representing four regional states and two city administrations competed in the inaugural event.
For organisers, however, the significance of the race extended beyond the podium.
Until recent decades, bicycles were a familiar part of daily life in Adama. As the city expanded and motorised transport became dominant, that cycling culture gradually faded. City leaders say the Adama Bike Race is designed to reconnect residents with that heritage while encouraging a new generation to embrace cycling as a sport, a healthy lifestyle choice and a practical means of transport.
“This cycling race demonstrates that by keeping our cities clean, attractive and well developed, they can become destinations for sports tourism. It also shows that cities can create opportunities for young people while generating income for the country.” Hailu Jalde, Mayor of Adama, said the event supports efforts to create cleaner, greener and more liveable cities while encouraging active lifestyles and sustainable mobility.
He added that the race demonstrates how improved urban environments can create opportunities for both young people and the wider economy through sport tourism.
Officials from the Oromia Cycling Federation described the event as an an important step in strengthening cycling across the region and increasing public participation in the sport.
“This programme was organised to strengthen cycling in Oromia and help the public better understand and embrace the sport through events like this.” said Biruk Teshome, Head of the Oromia Cycling Federation Office.
For participants, the race offered a unique opportunity to compete through Adama’s expanding network of landscaped corridors and recreational spaces—urban developments that local authorities hope will support future national and international sporting events.
Organisers intend for the Adama Bike Race to become an annual fixture on Ethiopia’s sporting calendar, contributing to the revival of competitive cycling while supporting tourism, healthy living and sustainable urban mobility.
