2013 Cowbell Cycling Tour: So Far, So Good

… Sensational Samuel Anim falls but recovers to win

The ongoing 2013 Cowbell Cycling Tour is in its fifth stage and many participants and observers have described the event as “so far, so good” as the best rider is showing himself.

Samuel Anim, the acknowledged sprinting fighter did what many cannot understand, let alone believe when he fell from his bike on the route from Kumasi to Sunyani and after being left behind, he rode like a jet to outclass all his opponents.

He spent nearly five minutes behind the bunch, and could have stopped riding looking at the bruises all over his hands and legs, but he rode like a wizard to bye pass all the 67 cyclists to win the race and maintain the green jersey.

His team mate and captain Isaac Sackey got the yellow jersey to make the chairman of Young Stars happy.

In separate interviews with cyclists and officials, they said the race is becoming tough and Anim is doing wonders, after three days and they feel there would be more shocks and surprises. Others feel those who have been winning will continue to win.

Ali Moro aka “Wild Animal” from the Gutten Cycling Club said he is impressed with himself and the other contestants, especially Samuel Anim for his determination and power, but there could be some surprises as all the cyclists are very much prepared.

He said for him he did not prepare much since he is always on his bike riding to and from anywhere, so he might have trained enough to participate in the 2013 event.

“I did not do any serious training. You know riding is my hobby and job. In fact God has blessed me and I thank Him for all that he does for me. I do no other work than riding and selling parts of bicycles to my friends and anyone who needs a part, like brake pads, lights, tyres, rims and others”.

“I can say this year’s race had been very tough and competitive, because as we grow things are improving and I must thank Cowbell for sponsoring cycling in Ghana. I bet you, without Cowbell, cycling will die. I pray that other companies like Guinness, MTN, Vodafon, the banks and other corporates will join in sponsoring the sport, because it is very good for advertising. Today, all the children of Ghana know Cowbell because of what they have done and they are doing. I pray that the company grows from big to bigger and biggest among those who product milk products. If all the big companies support the clubs and the Ghana Cycling Federation, I believe most of our problems will be solved”.

“The government must know that not everybody loves football or wants to kick a ball, me for instance, I want to ride, so the government must provide all my recreational needs, like it is done in South Africa and elsewhere. The government must support every sport, not only football”.

I was sad that there was no top government official at the start of the race from Accra, yet they need our vote… ok we shall see, but I must congratulate all the companies supporting the race and my colleagues who are winning”

“I am not a sprinter, I am a roller, so I pull my team and the one with more power fights had to grab the first or second position. I can say so far, so good we are representing TV3 and we are doing our best. Thank you for the opportunity to speak on your network. I think you a very good journalist and I advise the young ones to learn from you. You are the only one who has interviewed me very seriously. They call me wild animal because I ride like a beast. Am very wild on the bike. I have been riding for the past 12 years”.

Seidu Sulley, Chairman of the Young Stars Club said he was happy with the performance of his team lead by Captain Christian Adiabo. He congratulated his cyclists comprising the sensational Samuel Anim, Amadu Moro, Jacob Aryee, Festus Nyamekye and Isaac Sackey.

He said his boys have proved to be the champions, because they are sweeping the prizes one by one. He praised Anim and Sackey for taking the yellow jersey from Accra to Takoradi, Assin Fosu to Kumasi and from the Garden City to Sunyani.

He also wished the big companies who sponsor Miss Ghana and other events to look to sports and support the sportsmen and women who can win international laurels for the nation.

He revealed that Young Stars, based at Mamprobi in Accra was founded in 1987 and they have maintained the wining spirit till now. He wished that some philanthropists will emerge to finance the club since the racing equipment are very expensive. He named Nicholas Bampoe as the coach of Young Stars and said his advises are what makes the team going and winning, because they are humble and show respect. “Our secret is discipline and hard training which is now yielding the results.

Cycling fans should watch out for more interesting revelations from the 2013 Cowbell Tour.

By Sammy Heywood Okine