2013 Cowbell Bike Tour (Stage 2): Big names on podium in Takoradi

After a successful arrangement of traffic details and a slight change of the tour route for stage 2, (85km Cape Coast to Takoradi) which is traditionally plagued with difficulties in traffic control, the tour saw a fiery start, from the University of Cape Coast main gate to the finish line at Sarbah Road, Takoradi.

Despite the intensity of attacks and counter attacks by the riders, the hotly contested race ended without any motor incidents and injury casualties as in the previous edition (2012).

“This was a combative race, and it is what we need in Ghana to step up the level”, said George Ado, Chief Commassire of the Tour.

Young Stars dictated the pace of the race immediately the officials flagged the cyclists into action. However, Emmanuel Sackey of All Stars had other ideas as to who dictates the early pace of the peloton.

He quickly kicked out of the bunch with a 100m lead, but a group of young stars riders decided to closely follow. John Zormelo, a veteran rider, who rides for Quick Steps also wanted to lead, so he burst out of the peloton as they all engaged in series of attacks and counter attacks until they reached Elmina Beach Resort junction.

After passing Elmina, Samuel Anim and his team mates took the lead, as his team mates formed a wind break around him to reduce the pressure on him. The lead of Young Stars and their 'El Capo' was short lived, as the peloton was reunited at Bronybima.

Almost all the teams relied on the attack and counter attack strategy to weaken each other and test each other's physical strength and endurance ahead of the first 'Point chaud'.

As the bunch came within reach of the 'Hot Spot' (point Chaud), at Essaman Junction, where points are awarded, Samuel Anim kicked out of the bunch to the other side of the road to enable him sprint without impediment, Isaac Sackey was quick to follow his team leader but Emmanuel Sackey of all stars was hot on their heels. Anim had enough power in his legs than the latter to clinch the first 'point chaud'.

Zormelo, the veteran rider, who would be retiring this year, tried his luck again by immediately attacking after the first hotspot, which was 14km into the race. The old fox tried as hard as he could to breakaway, but his efforts yielded no dividend. He was swallowed by the bunch just 1km into his adventure.

The more energetic Godwin Dzheha of City Migro succeeded in breaking away at Nyame B3kyere but his lead ended at Enyinase by Christian Adiabo, Moro Amadu and Samuel Anim, all from Young Stars.

At Komenda, 27km into the race, Jerry Alormenu (City Migro) started a promising burst out of the Peloton but it lasted only 2km before the bunch caught up with him.

Finally, at Kommenda Sewfi the peloton split into two. Victor Cudjoe, All Stars, a strong contender for the white Jersey, led the first peloton. They tried their best to chase down Jerry but he retained his lead by kicking harder. Nevertheless, a kilometer later Solomon Nartey (HM Cycling) broke out of the peloton, he emerged as the new leader.

At the second hot spot (Beposo), Samuel Anim, Emmanuel Sackey and Aryittey Akoto (City Migro), broke away from the bunch, swallowed Solomon and sprinted to first, second and third positions respectively.

The attacks and counter attacks continued until 50km into the race, when the raised green flag by the officials, signaled the commencement of feeding.

Prosper Agbo (City Mirgro), an experienced rider; Christian Adiabo (Young Star's assistant captain) and Joseph Kudakpo (Die Hard) broke away from the bunch with a gap of 300m. This was the longest sustained break away of the day.

As the big three broke away, they worked together to maintain a fast and steady pace upfront, even though they represented different teams.

60km into the race, Christian fell and had to change his bike, eventually the peloton swallowed him.

Straightaway after Christian's fall, Joseph and Prosper kicked harder, to keep their lead.

8km later, hell broke loose on Prosper, his front tire got punctured.

Being the lone ranger up front, Joseph knew glory was within his reach as they approached Takoradi Police Station. The Peloton roared behind him and closed the gap to 100m.

With 50m to end the race, Joseph kept peeping behind, he 'hit the wall' and subsequently fell prey to Samuel Anim, Tetteh Francis (city Migro's lead Rider), Henry Tetteh Djamah (Defending Champion), Adan Mohammed (River Pack Sunyani) and Aminu Mohammed (National Cycling Team Captain). They all emerged from the peloton 50m to end the race and over took Joseph, who could only watch helplessly as they passed him.

“I miscalculated the race but I'll correct that tomorrow” Joseph said looking disappointed.

At the end of Stage 2, Samuel Anim won his second stage victory of the tour thus far. He kept the Yellow, Green and Red Jersey he won the previous day. Tetteh Djanmah placed third closely behind Francis Tetteh, who came in second.

Antony Boakye continued to keep his white jersey for his exploits as the best young rider so far.

Stage 3 is the longest distance of the entire tour (145km: Assin-Fosu to Kumasi)