Other Sports of Tuesday, 28 June 2005

Source: Chronicle

1st Mike Adjivon Benefit Race

NATIONAL STAR, Henry Tetteh Djangmah demonstrated rare cycling skills coupled with excellent show of strength and power when he out-rode 25 other cyclists to emerge the overall winner of the 1st Mike Adjivon Benefit Race held over the weekend in Accra.

Indeed, he proved too strong for the other competitors as he made the time of 5 hours, 59 minutes and 7 seconds to complete a distance of 220 kilometers, recording 16 points.

Djangmah crowned his efforts with two more honours when he was as well adjudged the winner of the Best Time and BestPoints cyclist for the event.

The two-day event was in honour of S/Sgt Mike Adjivon and was put together by the Dome Cycling Squad in collaboration with the family of the late Adjivon.

Quality Insurance Company (QIC) provided an insurance cover to the tune of ¢150 million.

The journey for the victory of the 26-year-old Djangmah started from the Ayikuma area, some few meters before Larteh when he stretched his lead rather as he climbed the hilly areas of Larteh and Akropong.

For his prize, the Shai Osudoku-born took home a cash of ¢1.5 million plus 21-inch television set and a certificate.

The road race started on a fast note at the Adenta barrier with all the 25 cyclists showing positive signs of emerging winners.

Raphael Zoka, winner of the Criterion race had showed an early scare just five minutes after taking off, breaking away from his competitors for close to 10 minutes before being caught up. The tempo of the race thereon became a strenuous one as the leadership of the race kept changing hands until Djangmah took over.

Nana Domena Famnpong, Asomkahene of the Akyem Kotoku traditional area in the Eastern region who congratulated the cyclists for their strength of character with regard to the race, urged them also to exhibit a high sense of discipline in their field of endeavour in order to attain greater heights.

Mrs Lydia Adjivon, wife of the late cycling legend, commended the Dome cycling squad for organizing the event, recommending that the organizers make the exercise an annual affair.

Mr. Kofi Boakye-Yiadom, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Dome Cycling Squad charged the cyclists to stay united, be faithful and disciplined.

Raphael Zokah recorded a time of 6:06:02 to place second, having gained 11points. He was rewarded with a certificate ¢1 million cash and a 14-inch television set.

The third position went to Joseph Kudakpo after making a time of 6:0907 over 220 kilometers. He took home a certificate, ¢500,000 and a CD/Radio cassette player.

Henry Quarshie was named the best fighting cyclist whilst Richard Kublenu took the young cyclist award.

There were consolation prizes, including a ¢50,000 cash for all the participants.