Frank Akuffo wins Cowbell Cycling Challenge
Teenage cycling sensation Frank Akuffo won a sprint finish to clinch the 84-kilometre Cowbell Cycling Challenge which was held on Monday in Accra.
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Akuffo, 19, along with his Velo Stars teammate Isaac Sackey led a chasing pack of 98 riders but the younger cyclist crossed the finish line first at Teshie Mobil in a time of one hour, 57 minutes and 23 seconds.
Sackey, who finished in second place was trailed by Emmanuel Sackey, Lawrence Agyei and Steven Kabu in third, fourth and fifth place respectively.
In an interview after the race, Akuffo said he would use his GH₵ 2,000 cash prize to fund the purchase of a new racing bike which he hopes will enable his qualify for the 2018 Commonwealth Games in Gold Coast Australia.
"I did not perform well in the national championship in Sunyani, so when I heard of this race I was very excited but when I got here I had a problem with my bike so I decided that I have to win the money in order to buy a new bike.
"I will give thanks to God first then my club and my new trainer David Sealy who has helped me to improve on my sprinting and that's how I won this race".
In addition to the cash prize, Akuffo was presented with Cowbell products, a trophy, a gold medal and a mountain bike from Decathlon.
The cyclists maintained an average speed of 44 kilometres per hour during the race which started at 9 am at the Black Star Square.
The top 15 cyclists also received cash prizes and products from Cowbell
Timo Van Vooren, the Sales and Marketing Director of Promasidor, producers of Cowbell reiterated his outfit's commitment to funding the sport, urging the cyclists to venture into triathlon, a multisport event which features cycling, running and swimming.