Cycling: Tagoe wins Tour Du Ghana
A cyclist from the Quickstep Cycling Club, Solomon Tagoe, rode his way to victory in this year's Tour Du Ghana which climaxed at Olebu, Ablekuma, in the Greater Accra Region.
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The intense competition featured 93 elite cyclists vying for a coveted spot in the national team, with their sights set on the forthcoming 13th African Games (Accra 2023) to be held in Ghana next March.
After a gruelling five-day battle on the open road, Tagoe secured the highly sought-after Leader's Jersey, sponsored by South Korea-based bicycle manufacturer, DerbyWheel, renowned for organising the specialised cycling event known as Pro Kieran.
The final Criterium, a thrilling bicycle race manoeuvred on a short, closed circuit — typically winding through city streets — was a challenging 10-lap showdown, spanning a demanding 89 kilometres. The headwind posed a formidable obstacle, intensifying the showdown as competitors relentlessly aimed to conquer the course.
With 93 riders launching their Ablekuma circuit assault, the ultimate goal was to secure the prestigious jersey and a prize purse of GH¢5000. Race leader and wearer of the Yellow Jersey, Prince Tetteh, fiercely determined to retain his position, launched an attack during the third lap, leading a breakaway towards the Pokuase direction. However, his momentum was eventually suppressed in a tight bend.
As the contest entered its final five laps, Victor Cudjoe and Ebenezer Osabutey emerged as the front-runners of the breakaway, intensifying the challenge as light rainfall added to the complexity of the race, with cyclists navigating the slippery roads with precision to avoid any mishaps.
Tagoe, 24, closely followed the leading pack and seized the opportunity provided by the slippery conditions to surge ahead of his fellow riders. From that point on, he never looked back, sprinting towards the finish line and clinching victory in spectacular fashion.
The youth team category was won by 16-year-old sensation, Farrakhan Shaaban Mohammed, representing the River Park Eastern Region Club.
