Accra, Nov. 23, GNA - Trek, an American-based Bicycle Manufacturing Company through the initiative of the Institute for Transportation and Development Policy (ITDP) Ghana, has secured full sponsorship for two crack Ghanaian cyclists to compete in the prestigious "Cape Epic" cycling competition in South Africa early next year.

Mr John E. Burg, the American Programme Officer of ITDP the company, which secured the sponsorship deal for the yet-to-be-known Ghanaian cyclists told the GNA Sports in Accra that the move was part of a long-term programme to put together an agenda to raise the level of competitive cycling in the country.

Five hundred international cyclists, including some participants at the last Tour du France would compete in the five-day 800 km race. The programme Officer said their gesture was to correct the erroneous impression that the cycling is meant for the poor in the society.

Subsequently, ITDP in conjunction with the Ghana Cycling Association (GCA) would organise three high-profile qualifiers to pick the two cyclists to represent the country at the event, which is in its second year.

ITDP, which is into sustainable transportation through the use of bicycles wants to use Ghana's maiden participation in the competition to whip up interest in the sport in order to nurture an Olympic Cycling team for the nation and promote school cycling programmes.