We need more competitions before Commonwealth Games - Cyclist

Ghanaian cyclist Abdul Rahman Umar has appealed to government to support them to compete in major championships as Ghana prepares for the Commonwealth Games next year in Australia.

Abdul Umar, who placed second in day one of the ongoing cycling championship (la route de l'est), in Ivory Coast, believes that Ghana has quality cyclists and must be given the needed exposure to enable them to compete with top cyclists and also to make the country proud at the quadrennial Games.

He said the lack of exposure at major competitions could affect the team during international events.

Abdul Umar came second behind Ivorian Daniel Kabre in the 90km circuit race held at Dimbokro on Saturday in day one of the competition.

After the race, Umar told the GNA Sports that, although he gave the winner a hot chase he could not catch up with him, and that, placing second was okay for him.

Umar remains optimistic Ghana would win the ultimate Prize money and appealed to government to support the team to compete in upcoming International tours.

"You should expect more from us because our target is to win the ultimate here and make an impact at the Commonwealth Games. We prepared towards this championship and we are appealing for support to enable us to compete in more competitions.

"There are a lot of international competitions lined up this year and I know we have the quality to win laurels for Ghana, adding that "Cycling is about exposure.

He thanked the National Sports Authority (NSA) for the role it played in ensuring their participation in the 29th edition of the "la route de l'est".

Team Ghana is steadily making progress in the ongoing competition as they are currently classified as the best team so far.