By: Albert Parker Narteh.
Quartet of Belgian cyclists stormed to the top of the podium in the Grand Finale of the Tour du Cycling race event with Joerik De Neve finishing first in the final at Ablekuma Vicolis.
Deliveing the closing ceremony speech on behalf of the President John Dramin Mahama, the Minister of Sports and Recreation, Kofi Iddie Adams said the President is committed to passing the sports bill this year before Parliament ends sitting for the year.
He also called on corporate Ghana to come on board lift the image of Ghana by sponsoring the less finance sports in the country.
DETAILS OF THE COMPETITION
The 2.5km race of 20 Laps of the final day was characterized by a sprint finish that saw the top three positions secured by riders from Belgium.De Neve, crossed the line with a time of 1:18:44.950, edging out his compatriots in the grand finale.
He was immediately followed by Jonas De Schampheleire (2nd) and Fil D’Heygere (3rd), with Kasper Saver rounding out the dominant Belgian performance in fourth place.
The minimal time differences among the first four riders underscored the intensity in the final sprint.
While the podium was dominated by Belgians, the final stage lived to it billing
The top ten featured a diverse mix of talent, with Daniel Bichimann of Obroni securing a strong fifth place.
He was closely trailed by Souaila Ilboudo of Burkina Faso (6th) and Nigeria’s Gabriel John Odum (7th), demonstrating the growing strength of African cycling in International competition.
The resilience and determination of Ghana’s Victor Cudjoe Akpabli led the home contingent as he was the first Ghanaian to finish the race.
Riders from nations including the Netherlands, Benin, Togo, and Nigeria, as well as the team of Greater Accra and the Bahati team, completed the challenging route, each contributing to the event’s resounding success.
The success of the Grand Finale not only highlights the victors but also celebrates the spirit of international sportsmanship and the unifying power of cycling.
The event also attracted Government delegation such the Minister of Sports and Recreation, Hon. Kofi Adams, the Chief Director of the Ministry, Wilhelmina Asamoah and former member of Parliament for North Tong Hon. Kobby Woyome.
Ghana Olympic Committee President, Richard Akpokavie and board member Nana Mankatta were also present.
The Sponsors of the event were also present to witness the Grand Finale of the cycling event.
Top 10 Finishers:
- De Neve Joerik (Belgium)
- De Schampheleire Jonas (Belgium)
- D’heygere Fil (Belgium)
- Saver Kasper (Belgium)
- Daniel Bitchimann (Obroni riders)
- Ilboudo souaila (Burkina Faso)
- Gabriel John Odumu (Nigeria)
- Tom Wyeve (Netherlands)
- De Neve Tomas (Belgium)
- Kone Souleymane (Burkina Faso)
Stage Winners:
Bastian Dieti won the ultimate yellow as well as the best climber and intermediate sprints.
Luuk Van de Meer was adjudged the best rider and also claimed the overall best Breakaway
Overall Best Team went to Belgium, a result that showed their collective strength.
Other accolades went to Tom De Neve earning the overall individual points.
while Victor Cudjoe was celebrated as the Best Ghanaian rider on the stage.
Gandaho M.C. Charbel named the Overall Best Youngest rider, Farrakhan Mohammed the youngest rider and Daniel Bitchimann as the Overall Best Oldest competitor
The week long competition brought 58 cyclist from ten countries. In all the cyclists rode for 364 kilometres throughout the competition.
