Accra, June 1, GNA - The Greater Accra Cycling Association (GACA) has began a new programme dubbed "the monthly cycling championship" to revitalize the sport and to make the regional cyclists, who form the core of the national team, battle-ready.

Ghana's number one cyclist, Joseph Annang from the Gutten Club, won the maiden edition held at Osu over the weekend with an impressive time of 3:25:42sec in the 122.5 km criterion race.

He broke away from the bunch from the starting point and managed to maintain his lead till finish despite a hot chase by runners up William Afful of Fire Bunch and Martey Hammond.

Emmanuel Amoako of River Park took the "best Fighter" award while Emmanuel Obuor won the Promising Star award.

The programme being facilitated by ASONE Sports Promotions was competed by all the seven clubs in the region. Mr Shaban Mohammed, Chief Executive Officer of ASONE told the GNA Sports after the race that plans were afoot to rope in some companies to sponsor the subsequent races.

He mentioned Pens and Plastic (BIC) and Wonder Food Company Limited, producers of Cowbell, who have been associated with cycling over the years as likely partners.

The date for the next race is yet to be announced.