Ghana is set to witness one of the most electrifying cycling spectacles as the Bahati Cycling Classic, Elite Invitational Criterium descends on Accra on Sunday, July 12, 2026. Hosted at the iconic Accra Sports Stadium, the event promises to bring world-class competitive cycling to the streets of the Ghanaian capital, drawing an elite field of cyclists for a fast, thrilling, and unforgettable race experience.
The flagship criterium, a high-speed, short-circuit road race format synonymous with the world’s most prestigious urban cycling calendars is organised under the banner of the Ghana Cycling Federation (GCF) and powered by the Bahati Foundation, in active partnership with Cycle Ghana and Ride Afrique. Registration opens at 8:30 a.m., with the competitive action scheduled to begin at 10:00 a.m.
The Bahati Cycling Classic represents a statement a declaration that Ghana is ready to position itself as a serious destination for world-class competitive cycling on the African continent.
By anchoring the event at the Accra Sports Stadium, organisers signal their intent to attract large public audiences, create a vibrant festival atmosphere, and inspire a new generation of Ghanaian cyclists who will witness elite competition.
The criterium format, characterised by multiple laps around a closed urban or stadium circuit
For audiences unfamiliar with the sport, criterium racing offers immediate, visible, and thrilling action making it an ideal entry point into competitive cycling.
At the heart of the initiative lies the Bahati Foundation, a non-profit organisation established by American professional cyclist Rahsaan Bahati with a mission to use the bicycle as a tool for social upliftment, youth empowerment, and community development across the African continent.
The Foundation’s involvement in Ghana reflects its broader ambitions building sustainable cycling ecosystems in markets where the sport has historically lacked institutional support and visibility.
Through this classic, the Foundation aims to simultaneously elevate Ghana’s sporting profile internationally and create lasting grassroots infrastructure that benefits both competitive athletes and recreational riders.
Partners Powering the Event
The Bahati Cycling Classic’s size and ambition are shown by the wide range of partners supporting the event.
Corporate Partners
Prudential Life Insurance Ghana, Zwift the world’s leading virtual cycling and training platform, Giant Bicycles, Cuore, and Promasidor anchor the commercial partnership portfolio. Their involvement brings international brand credibility and essential logistical resources to the event’s operational framework.
Alliance Partners
A constellation of cycling and sports development organisations lends technical and community depth to the classic. Team Africa Rising, Village Bicycle Project, World Bicycle Relief, Fanhacks AI Sports Venture Studio, Ride Afrique, Afro Village, and Cycle Ghana. Collectively, these alliances reinforce the event’s dual mandate, competitive excellence and social impact.
Governmental Partners
Visit Ghana, the Ghana Olympic Committee (GOC), the Ministry of Sports and Recreation, Republic of Ghana, the National Sports Authority (NSA), and the Ghana Cycling Federation (GCF).
