'La Route de Ho' fixed for September 11

Accra, Aug. 30, GNA - As America and the world remember the notorious terrorist attack in the United States on September 11, in Ghana, crack cyclists will mount their bikes to show the stuff they are made of in the "La Route De Ho".

The race is the second high-profile competition on the calendar of the Ghana Cycling Association (GCA) after the Tour Du Ghana, which, promises to produce some fireworks.

Officials of the GCA told GNA Sports that the event to be staged in Ho, in the Volta Region, will be a refreshing time for the country's cycling heavyweights after most of them, including wonder kid Ayitey Akoto, failed to honour the recently held BIC Homowo Cup Race in Prampram due to fatigue.

But this time around, the cyclists, most of whom are members of the national cycling team, can't afford to miss out on the Ho event since, it's the second biggest showpiece for recognition.

Consequently, the cyclists have stepped up their preparations, particularly to improve on their individual times race. Those who are unable to make the grade into the national team, the event would be a fine opportunity to just catch the eyes of the handlers.

One notable cyclist who must grab this chance is John Zormelo. He must take full advantage of the competition to regain his popularity after almost slumping into oblivion after winning the 2003 Sports Writers' Association of Ghana Award.

Undoubtedly, it will be an uphill task for the young man who is likely to face some stiff opposition from compatriots such as Akoto, Richard Mawuko, Emmanuel Wayo, Prosper Agbo and Joseph Annan.

Meanwhile, the GCA says each club must submit a list of six cyclists and an official for the event plus a registration fee of 100,000 cedis. Cyclists from the Greater Accra region will be sent to Ho, a day before the show commences while those from the regions would have their transportation expenses refunded to them.

The country's cycling governing body has however, warned that it will not tolerate any act of indiscipline that might discredit the association in the performance of its duties and urged all clubs to cooperate fully.

The French Embassy in Accra will sponsor the event.