Igala, Quartey win cycling race

Velocity Stars Cycling Club’s duo of Moro Yakubu Igala and Emmanuel Quartey powered the club to victory in the inaugural Open Invitational Road Race held in Accra.

The 100-kilometre race last Saturday saw cyclists from the major cycling clubs in Accra racing through Dodowa, Somanya, Adukrom, Mamfe, Aburi and back to Adenta.

Igala and Quartey imposed their dominance when the peloton, comprising 50 cyclists, began climbing the steep Adukrom hill. The fast-pedalling duo broke away from the chasing pack to cross the finish line.

They were awarded with GH¢1,000 for their efforts, with teams which placed second to fifth also taking home some cash prizes.

The race departed from the usual structure of cycling races in Ghana employing a format of two riders pairing up to ride with the requirement being that both riders cross the finish line within five seconds of their race partner to qualify for placement.

According to the Velocity Stars Cycling Club Administrator, Mr Kwabena Larbi, one of the objectives of the race was to promote safe cycling in Ghana by organising competitive races.

Stressing the importance of such races, he said the country’s professional cyclists who train all year round require more local races in order to remain fit for international cycling competitions.