Akufu wins Homowo Cycling tourney

Frank Akufu of the Velo Stars Cycling Club last Saturday saw off competition from 65 riders to clinch this year's Homowo Cycling tournament in Accra.

Akufu, 18, won the race with a blistering finish, completing the 79-kilometre course in a time of 2 hours, 13 minutes to beat Peter Osei of Sunyani-based River Park Cycling Club and Issack Sackey of Club Sky Team to second and third places respectively.

Also, 14-year-old Prince Hackman was named the Best Young Cyclist.

In an interview after the race, Akufu said his main goal was to follow in the footsteps of his idol Samuel Anim who passed away last month.

He said, "Anim was the defending champion of this race and he was an inspiration to me; I dedicate my victory to his memory."

The event which was held under the patronage of Mr Daniel Amartey-Mensah, the National Democratic Congress parliamentary aspirant for the Ledzokuku-Krowor Constituency, saw the participants battling with the searing heat and a gruelling course for undisclosed cash prizes.

The 25-lap course stretched from the Teshie Lascala area to First Junction in Teshie and saw half of the participants quitting midway through the exciting race.

The patron of the race, Mr Amartey-Mensah, said this year's race was held in honour the former champion Samuel Anim.

"Anim is no longer with us, so after meeting with the leaders of the Greater Accra Cycling Association we decided to honour him with the Homowo Cycle Race.

"Cycling is very popular in Teshie and such events will teach our young people the importance of safe riding."