The ongoing Tour du Ghana cycling event enters the third stage today with a 146km ride from Accra to Dodowa through to the mountains in Larteh, Aburi and back to Accra.
The stage would test the strength and endurance of the cyclists as they attempt to climb and descend the mountains while maintaining an appreciable average speed to sustain the level of competition.
Organized by the Ghana Cycling Federation (GCF) with support from Promasidor Ghana Limited, producers of Cowbell, BIC and Riyahd Constructions, the tour which started on Wednesday with 72 cyclists had seen some outstanding performances by cyclists.
Anthony Boakye Boafo of River Park, Bono Region leads from stage one after clinching four jerseys on the day.
He won the stage with a commanding lead of over two minutes ahead of Frank Awuku Akuffo of TBT Cycling Club and Emmanuel Sackey of River Park,Accra who placed second and third, respectively.
Boakye also won the ultimate yellow jersey which signified best by time cyclist, the green jersey for best by points, the red jersey for best fighter as well as the green jersey as the stage winner.
The white jersey which stood for the best youngest cyclist was won by Alexander Allotey of TBT while the TBT club led by Frank Akuffo also won the blue jersey for the best team.
The 126km race which started in Accra to Winneba and back to Accra was completed in 3:36:42sec with an average speed of 35km/hr which was expected to be improved today.
Anthony Boakye broke away from the bunch at Budumburam in the Central Region and rode to the finish point become a favourite to walk away with the ultimate trophy and prizes on Monday.
Meanwhile, the event would take a break tomorrow to observe the Muslim festivities and return on Sunday, followed by the grand finale in Accra on Monday.
BY MICHAEL D.ABAYATEYE