The 2012 Cowbell Tour du Ghana Cycling Race will feature eleven stages across eight Regions, says organizers of the race, the Ghana Cycling Federation.

The Tour, which is the second to be held in the country will start on May 15 through to May 27 and would cover 1,313 kilometers, with the cyclists riding through towns and communities from Greater Accra to Central, Western, Ashanti, Brong Ahafo, Northern, Eastern, Volta Regions and ending at the national capital of Accra.

A total of 72 riders from 12 Cycling Clubs have accepted to take part in the event which offers a tantalizing prize of a number of jerseys made up of yellow, red, green, blue and white to signify winners of the various stages of the Tour as well medals and trophies

The following Cycling teams have registered and signed for their jersey brands for the Cowbell Tour: Die Hard - Vitarich, City Migro - Chocomalt, Young Stars - Coffee, River Park (Accra) - Strawberry, H. M. - BIC, All Stars - Mocha, Quick Steps - TV3, Pace Setters - Coconut, River Park (Sunyani) - Vitarich, Victory - Semi-skimmed, Gutten - Sweet Milk and Vota Stars - Tigernuts.

Promasidor Ghana Limited producers of Cowbell products, the main sponsors of the Tour in conjunction with its partners announced a package of a total cost of 682,000 Ghana cedis as well as insurance cover for the cyclists.

Mr Shabaan Mohammed, Technical Director of the Ghana Cycling Federation at a meeting with Chairmen of the Clubs, explained the modalities of the Tour and advised them to help make it a success by educating the public on the essence of the Tour.

He said that cycling was a sport that cuts across barriers and not just a sport that ensures healthy living but can go a long way in the development of tourism in the country.

Mr Shaaban also explained the rules and regulations of the Cowbell Tour du Ghana and its various stages, the intermediate races, hot spots, straight finish in some municipalities, eligibility, position and clarification points of the riders of the Tour du Ghana.

Other sponsors and collaborators of the event include Pens and Plastics Ghana Limited, TV3, MTTU, National Sports Authority, BIC, the Multimedia Group and other media organizations.**