NATIONAL CYCLING TEAM TO PARTICIPATE IN “BOUCLE DU COTON”
It is going to be yet another pedal battle for Ghana as they come against tough customers-France, Algeria, Senegal, Cote d'Ivoire, Burkina Faso among others in this year's edition of “Boucle du Coton Cycling Tour” in the arid zone of Burkina Faso which starts from the 16thto 22nd May 2011. “Boucle du Coton” is an annual cycling event which is organized by the Coton Industry in Burkina Faso and this has attracted the attention of the World Cycling Body; the UCI – making if a legitimate event in their calendar annually.
Ghana stands a very good chance of making a qualify mark in her average speed as this particular tour has proven to be the least preparatory test for the hoys ahead of the All Africa Games in Maputo this year.
Team Ghana's line-up includes Emmanuel Taylor of River Park Club, Emmanuel Obour - City Migro, Kenneth Ameyaw – River Park (Sunyani), Joseph Kudakpor – Die Hard, Stephen Kabu – All Stars, John Zormelo – Young Stars and Benjamin Logo Adom of River Park Cycling Club (Sunyani).
Seven cyclists in all would be donning the national colours in Burkina-Faso with 4 officials –Williams Kyei, Secretary General of the Ghana Cycling Federation and the Leader of Delegation, Shaaban Mohammed - Technical Director, Seidu Sulley – Team Mechanic and Communication Director – Dennis Moore.
The National Team's performance this year has been very impressive especially following the Cowbell Cycling Tour 2011 which indisputably was the catalyst for such output from the cyclists. But with all intent and purposes, “Boucle du Coton” promises to be an uphill task for our boys as they will be engaging top with cyclists whose cadence output fall within the range of 55-60 km/hr.
The first event will be followed by a tougher assignment dubbed “Impossible Tour” 2011 to be held from 28-29 May, which will feature two cyclists from each country. It is a 24hr ride which involves riding from evening till the next morning with a whopping amount of CFA 2billion as the ultimate Prize, CFA 1billion as second and CFA 500,000 as third Prize respectively.
The contingent will leave Ghana on Saturday 14th May, 2011 and calls on the nation for optimum support to excel in the scheduled event. Team Ghana's participation has been facilitated by the National Sports Council.