Golazo has signed an eight-year partnership with the Confederation of African Cycling (CAC), the umbrella federation of African cycling. The agreement runs from 2024 to 2032. Golazo is becoming marketing and event partner of the annual African (continental) cycling championships, thereby supporting the 54 national federations, and empowering Africa in a broader context to become a cycling continent.
Africa is no unknown territory for internationally active Belgian sports company Golazo, with its African headquarters in Nairobi, Kenya. Until now, Golazo’s focus on Africa has mainly been on athletics, running and the promotion of sports among young people. Thanks to the cooperation with the Confederation of African Cycling (CAC), cycling is now also becoming a very important pillar in the Golazo business on the African continent. Cycling has long been a highly important branch within the international Golazo Group.
Last week, on Tuesday 25 April, Golazo signed an eight-year agreement with the African Cycling Confederation at the CAC congress in Nairobi. “The partnership between Golazo and the CAC will ensure that the dream of rapid development of cycling in Africa will finally become a reality,” said Mohamed Wagih Azzam, the Egyptian CAC President.
Golazo is putting its weight behind the African Road Championships, which, like the European Championships, will be organised annually. In doing so, it will assist and advise the candidate countries with the bidding process and, together with the CAC, assess the strengths of the various bids before awarding the organisation of the event. At the event itself, the CAC can rely on Golazo for practical event organisation, incl. TV rights, media exposure and partnerships.
Bob Verbeeck, CEO of Golazo: “With the cycling talent present on the African continent and the interest of a lot of Africans in the sport (just look at the crowds of spectators on the ‘Wall of Kigali’ during the Tour du Rwanda), there is a lot of potential to develop the continental championships extensively. Together with the UCI we will always look for a date in the international calendar that will allow the top African riders to participate. Besides those championships and the expansion of professional cycling in Africa as a whole, we will also focus on recreational cycling and the function of cycling in society. In addition to road cycling, we will also concentrate on the other cycling disciplines with a particular emphasis on gravel, track and mountain biking.”
UCI President David Lappartient was also present at the CAC congress in Nairobi. The Frenchman said he was impressed by the prospects that the deal between Golazo and CAC offers for African cycling. “We would like to get a million people to come and watch racing in Africa as well. The sport should be promoted and televised live in all African countries. We know Golazo’s expertise, and it is good to use it for the benefit of African cycling.”