After a superb outing at this year's Cowbell National Cycling Tour of Ghana, 12 deserving cyclists were selected to represent the Nation at this year's 20th Edition Tour of Togo held from 18 -24 April, 2011. The Tour saw 5 West African countries participating namely: Ghana, Benin, Mali, Burkina Faso and host nation Togo.
Ghana paraded two set of teams comprising in-form roller Henry, Tetteh Djanmah of Die Hard, Tenacious striker Samuel Anim of Young Stars Tour Du Ghana sensation. Francis Tetteh and Prosper Agbo of City Migro, Isaac Odonkor of All stars, Aminu Mohammed and Adnan Mohammed of River Park. The rest include debutants Yakubu Egala Moro of Die Hard, Abudul Razak Mumin, William Nartey of His Majesty (HM) cycling club, Stephen Kabu and Young prodigy Anthony Boakye of River Park.
The Ghanaian team showed a much improved performance clocking an overall average speed of 42km/hr which by far has been lauded by the connoisseurs of the sport as a fantastic output by the Ghanaian side.
The Tour, which run over nine(9) stages rolled off from Lome to Atakpame over a distanceof 128km and was won by Burkinade Sprinter Minougon Noufon. It was a bullish take off from the Burkinabes and within the first 20mins they broke away from the main Peloton. Ghana's spirit gem Anim was however bungled out of the race as a result of injury and had to witness the rest of the stages from the bench.
El-Capitano Aminu Mohammed received the two elegant jerseys.
The Ghanaian side regained their pedal composure and gave a good account of themselves in the 3rd, 4th and 5th stages with Henry Tetteh Djangmah rubbing shoulders with the motivated Burkinade Side.
The 72km distance from Notse to Kpalime was one of the toughest test for the boys but that was where up and coming spirit kid authority Boakye carved for himself the Combativity Jersey.
The road to Mountain Agon which was the 8th stage was a two way battle between Ghana and Burkina Faso. Ghana's two top mountaineers Francis Tetteh and Henry Djangmah were up to the scratch but it was the latter who broke away with Burkinade Spirit Wizard Minougou Noufon with the Ghanaians Coming Second.
In the overall Team Classification, Ghana came third below Burkina Faso and Togo with Mali and Benin following in that order. The team won 5 jerseys to their credit. Ghana again received a glittering trophy for fair play and a cash prize of 145,000CFA for placing third.
Ghana's next assignment will be yet another acid test in the arid region of Burkina Faso for the 'Boucle du Coton' which will be engaging the likes of Algeria, France, Burkina Faso, Togo, Ivory Coast and Senegal. This will be a perfect preparatory drill for the lads ahead of this year's All Africa Games to be held in Maputo, Mozambique in September.
The Ghana Cycling Association is extremely grateful to the Ministry of Youth & Sports, the National Sports Council and all other stakeholders for Ghana's participation in this year's tour.
COURTESY: GHANA CYCLING ASSOCIATION
Belarus manufacturers to storm Ghana next week after President's visit
Government to offer tax incentives for factories located outside Accra
White House World Cup chief defends visa ban for Somali referee, Iranians
Talensi DCE courts investors for revival of Pwalugu Tomato Factory
Manhyia South MP says free speech under threat, cites 17 arrests in 16 months un...
KATH doctors suspend strike after Otumfuo’s intervention
Mahama is losing control of his government — NPP Communicator
Health Minister’s suspension of KATH CEO technically right — Prof Beyuo
Korle Bu Teaching Hospital conducts Ebola emergency simulation to strengthen fro...
Abandoned newborn baby found near gutter at Agona Swedru Woaraba
