Port Harcourt, — Six states will join host Rivers on Sunday for the one-day Garden City Cycling Race scheduled to hold in Port Harcourt.

Alex Enebeli, Chairman of the Rivers State Cycling Association, who disclosed this on Tuesday, said N1 million cash and 35 trophies would be on offer for the amateur and veteran cyclists.

Enebeli said cyclists from Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Edo and Imo states will join Rivers, for the 120km race for males and 60km for females.

He said veteran cyclists from Lagos and Nassarawa states indicated interest to take part in the race.

The chairman said Rivers Cycling Association would use the day-long race to prepare its athletes for the June National Sports Festival to be hosted in Port Harcourt.

"We are doing all these to achieve the dream of winning medals at the 17th National Sports Festival."

He said there would be no dispute over the winners as the association hoped to testrun its new gadget, a computer chip, which would be strapped to the hand of each rider.

Enebeli said the computer at the finishing point would record the wave length as each cyclist passes the finishing line.

"So, there is no argument about who crossed the line first or whatever. And anyone who cheats, we can monitor that," he added.

The vice chairman of the association, Giandomenico Masari said the device was used in major championships in France, Italy and Spain. (NAN)