By Michael Okuley
After five intense days of road racing at the 2023 National Tour Du Ghana, the coveted Leader’s Jersey sponsored by Pro Keiren powerhouse, Derbywheel, has been awarded to the young Quickstep rider, Solomon Tagoe.
The final criterium was a challenging 10-lap race covering 89 kilometers. At the beginning of the last stage, Sky Team’s Prince Tetteh held the Derbywheel Pro Keiren Yellow jersey.
The 89-kilometer circuit was challenging, especially with a strong headwind impeding the riders’ progress. Over 60 riders started the Ablekuma circuit with one goal in mind: to win the ultimate jersey and the prize money of Gh5000 at stake. Prince Tetteh was optimistic about keeping the jersey.
For several laps, there were minor attacks in the Pokuase direction, but no rider managed to break away. Yellow jersey holder Prince Tetteh was in the middle of the peloton, guarding his attire. Riders like Isaac Sackey, Joseph Nii Quaye, Maxwell Doku, and Michael Naaba all had the potential to make a breakaway, but an unexpected twist occurred.
The bunch dynamics led to surprising breakaway riders, Victor Cudjoe and Osabutey, who made a sudden break in the fifth stage. With five laps remaining, the duo had pulled away from the peloton, and their relay work was tactically executed.
Despite a light drizzle, the breakaway duo maintained their steady pace and excellent communication. The gap between them and the main bunch had widened to 1 minute and 20 seconds.
The crowd erupted as the breakaway riders passed the finish line, and with three laps to go, they were still ahead of the pack. Meanwhile, Yellow jersey holder Prince Tetteh found himself struggling in the peloton, seemingly unaware of the jeopardy his jersey was in. Quickstep rider Solomon Tagoe was closely monitoring the situation and working tirelessly within the bunch.
With one lap to go, it was evident that one of the two breakaway riders would win the stage. In an impressive display of teamwork, Victor Cudjoe and Ebenezer Osabutey of Team Epic crossed the finish line together, with Cudjoe claiming the stage win in a time of 2 hours, 16 minutes, and 53 seconds.
Cudjoe’s victory put the spotlight on whether he would also secure the Yellow jersey. After the main bunch crossed the finish line, it became clear that hardworking Quickstep rider Solomon Tagoe had taken over the Derbywheel flagship Leader’s Jersey.
Victor Cudjoe was awarded the Best Fighter or Combativity Jersey and also secured the Green Jersey for the best points. Prince Quaye held the White Jersey for the best young rider by time.
Quickstep was named the Best Team for their outstanding performance in this year’s National Tour Du Ghana.
A thrilling announcement electrified the crowd when it was revealed that the newly crowned Yellow jersey holder, Solomon Tagoe, had earned a slot and full expenses to participate in the Derbywheel Pro Keiren competition in the United Kingdom later this year.
In the Women and Youth Category, Reginald Hammond claimed the overall stage win, while Farrakhan Shaaban Mohammed of River Park Accra secured the overall best by time, making a name for himself in the sport.