Ghana's search for medals in cycling quashed at Maputo

William Ezah, GNA Special Correspondent, Maputo, Mozambique, courtesy, National Sports Authority (NSA)

Maputo, Mozambique, Sept. 11, GNA - Ghana ended its search for medals in cycling with another disappointing show from the nation's participants at the 10th All Africa Games in Maputo, Mozambique.

The Golden Bikers, who participated in the Team Trial Events with Anim Samuel, Henry Djangmah, Obuor Emmanuel and Aminu Osman, making a total distance of 26.4km, with an average speed of 45.5km per hour could only managed 12th position from the total of 16 countries that competed in the event.

South Africa won the event with Mauritius and Algeria picking the second and third positions respectively. In the Individual Time Trial events, Djangmah and Anim, picked the 19th and 27th positions respectively out of the 33 individuals that participated in the event.

Williams Kyei, General Secretary of the Ghana Cycling Association (GCA) told the Ghana News Agency (GNA) Sports that the unimpressive performance of the team in the events was due to inadequate preparations on the part of the cyclists.

He said the cyclists were initially not sure of their participation, hence were not in the best shapes for the competition.

Kyei also cited poor facilities as the cause of their woes, saying "most of the bicycles we used were weak and not good for high profile competitions like the All Africa Games.

"Some of the bicycles are not up to the standards, as compared to other countries that came with modern and sophisticated ones of which one could cost between US$15,000 and US$20,000.

"Indeed some of our bicycles could be ten years old and belong to the cyclists and not for the GCA. Some of the cyclists even had puncture in the course of the race and this also affected their standings in the competition," Kyei added.

Kyei described their participation as an eye opener', saying "we have learnt a lot of useful lessons and we will make corrections in future."

The results ends Ghana's dream in the competition and narrows her chances of winning more medals.

Cycling was originally not part of the disciplines earmarked for participation in the competition, but upon protests from the Regional Association, they were included in the list.

Ghana can so far boast of only two bronze medals from boxing in the seven day old event.