National Cycling team completes training tour

The Trainer of the National Cyclist Team, Mr. Mohammed Shaban has appealed to Corporate Organisations, individuals and traditional sponsors of cycling in the country to also sponsor the training session of the national cycling team to enable them prepare adequately for the All African Games in Nigeria in October.

He observed that it was the traditional sponsors of cycling in the country who have assisted the sport to reach this level saying the present team just needed a little push to be able to win medals for the country.

Mr. Shaban was speaking to the GNA Sports at the end of a nine-day training tour of the Eastern Region by the National Cycling Team on Sunday.

He said the team was able to register a marked improvement in their average speed from 40 kilometres per hour to 48 kilometres per hour.

The trainer said the last lap of their first training session would take them through a 160-kilometre race which would take the team from Koforidua through Adukrom, Aseseeso, Somany, Akuse Junction, Tema and end at The Point near the Nungua barrier.

He said the Eastern Regional Tour was the first session of the many training tours planned for the team made up 14 cyclists before they go to represent the country at the Games.

Mr.Shaban said the Eastern Regional Tour concentrated on mountainous riding and the team had the opportunity to train in the Akuapem Mountains by riding from Koforidua through Mamfi, Adukrom , Nkurakan and then back to Koforidua.

He said the team also made trips from Koforidua through Mamfi, Adukrom, Trom, Ayikuma, Larteh, back to Mamfi, Adukrom, Nkurakan and back to Koforidua.

Mr. Shaban said the next session of the training tour of the team would be at Bolgatanga where the team would concentrate on improving its average speed and condition to the climate in the North.

He thanked the people of Koforidua , the Police , management of Kobs Hotel and the New Juaben Municipal Chief Executive, Nana Agyei Boateng for the support and co-operation that they gave the team while it was in the Eastern Region.