Ghanaian Cyclists Impress At Cote d'Ivoire

Cycling may be regarded as one of the lesser sporting disciplines under the National Sports Council (NSC), but could become one of Ghana's title hopes in future competitions.

This is epitomised in the various successes that Ghanaian cyclists have chalked in recent time under the Ghana Cycling Association (GCA), with support from Wonder Food Company Limited, producers of Cowbell Milk.

On Tuesday, the Ghana cycling team, made up of 12 cyclists arrived in the country to a hero's welcome after an impressive performance in the 16th La Route de L'est in neighbouring Cote d'Ivoire.

Mr Francis Kpesenu, Secretary General of the GCA told GNA Sports in Accra on Thursday that the boys won eight trophies and two gold medals at the end of the two-week tournament.

Rudolph Mensah and Joseph Annan won two of the important "Stages", which gave Ghana the two gold.

Mr Kpesenu said Mensah also won two trophies at a stage and a fair-play trophy while Annan again emerged as the best "Stranger" in addition to what he won at the stage.

Ghana's medal hopeful, John Zormelo, who was outstanding during the national Cowbell competition and further performed creditably during the Tour du Togo, could only manage a fair play trophy while Martey Hammond also won bronze at a Stage.

In all, 56 cyclists from Ghana, Benin, Burkina Faso, Nigeria and host Cote d'Ivoire took part in the 1051.5 kilometre-race, which started from Katiola to Bondoukou though 12 stages.