Lawrence Adjei left off a sweeping float of dust behind fellow nemesis and current SWAG Awardee Anthony Boakye to organize an astonishing sprint finish in 1:42:10 seconds to win this year’s maiden edition of Ojatson Sports Foundation Cycling Championship.
The race, which saw over 100 riders register, was superlative in description, especially with the tenacity and grit over the 66km distance in 20 laps.
The first three laps were to familiarise ourselves with the road network. The sun had popped up with its furious rays. Certain familiar names in the starting lineup sparked predictions. And it was true. The likes of Anthony Boakye, Lawrence Adjei, and Frank Akuffo were a predictable threat to the rest of the riders.
By the 5th lap, the bunch had registered friendship. Riders were scarcely focused on any attacks. The steady flow of the bunch was enough for those who lacked cardiac output.
The crowd began to discuss the possibilities of who will win the race. These arguments entered into the 10th lap. By this time, the flowing peloton had disintegrated into flammable echelons. A beauty to behold.
The break away consisting of Seven riders had lost steam and had been caught by the 14th circuit. Every rider has secured a spot inside the heated bunch.
The younger riders , whose influence in their categories matters a lot to them, were notoriously stuck in the peloton. The likes of Ebenezer Quaye and Joseph Neequaye were incredibly stubborn, occasionally pacing their senior riders.
But fantastic credibility should be given to the youth around the 18th stage. They still kept their pride inside the senior bunch.
By the 19th lap, the fans began to yell in anguish. Either their bet was not pulling up or something was wrong.
A great display of a last-lap clearance swayed around the Osu cemetery bend. That was to be the final frame of a fantastic finish for Team Epic’s Lawrence Adjei. He surveyed his shoulders to the left and swung from the angry bunch, leaving behind the Sunyani-based wheeler to the second spot. Frank Akuffo of the Boss Tribe is squeezing through the third position.
The Men’s Elite category thus survived a 66-kilometer brawling circuit, amassing an average speed of 38.76 km/hr.
The female category saw Erica Sedzro place first, Abigail Ayehkie Tetteh place second, and Paulina Yaa Mensah placing third.
All the participants were awarded a certificate and a cash prize for their efforts.
The Ojatson Sports Foundation Championship has injected some urgency into the riders, especially as the Africa Road Paracycling Championships is a few days away.
The Chief Organizer of the event, OJ,OJ was highly elated at the inaugural organization of the race and believes the next edition would be even greater.
Ghana will be hosting over 20 cycling countries next month for the Africa Road Para-cycling Championships to be held at Ablekuma Ollebu, and this race is a major build-up for the selection of riders to represent the country.
Dennis Kweku Moore
Public Relations: -Ghana Cycling Federation
Email: [email protected]