By: Mohamed Abu Conteh
The Sierra Leone National Cycling Association (SLNCA) in collaboration with Tacugama and Qcell has on 24th November 2023 officially kicks started the SL Cycling Cup Series today at Gigibonta, Lumley Beach in Freetown.
The Cycling Cup Series attracted over 200 Cyclists across the Country, and the intensity of the Cyclists created huge attention from the both sponsors and the public who witness the event.
The race started with junior categories for both male and female Cyclists simultaneously and it followed by the elite race. This is the first time the Sierra Leone National Cycling Federation is staging such an event that will help the Cyclists to be able to compete on the international stage.
The Minister of Sports Madam Augusta James-Teima said the Ministry of Sports is ready to support the Cycling Federation for them to achieve their dreams in competing to the highest level, noting that they are working on strategic plans in reforming sporting disciplines to the highest level.
Abdul Karim Kamara the Administrative Secretary of the Sierra Leone National Cycling Federation said “The event is successful in the Country, first of its kind within the West Africa Sub-Region where Cyclists have to compete for months to become Champions.”
He confirmed that, ” The whole idea of the Cycling series Cup came up from his time back in the United States on a visit where he sees such event unfolding, it is from there he thought that Sierra Leone can do the same and on his return maps out plans to kick-Off the maiden edition of the Salone Series Cup across the Country.
He affirmed that, Cycling is a Sport that is difficult to stage, because it is not Football where you can stage the event in one pitch, but Cycling event is cut across the street, noting that they feel fulfilled as a Federation in seeing that the Salone Cycling series Cup kicks-Off within a peaceful atmosphere.
Abdul Karim Kamara said, there was huge excitement from the Cyclists, there was urge to win, and there was massive transformation for the Cyclists who takes part in the event, he end up by sending thanks all and sundry who witness the Launching Series of the Salone Cup series.
The Youth Champions prize went to Amadou Sow who won the junior category, while talking to Journalists said he feels excited for winning the madien edition of the event.
Moses Lamin Kamara, fondly called (Lord Mo) won the elite category after five laps, he grab (20) points, while talking to Journalists said the feeling is extra ordinary, because coming to the race he lost a mini-series and that motivated him to spring surprises in the Salone Series Cup, after he lost he prepared in a different Trajectory to grab the maiden edition of the Salone Series Cup.
Bala Amara Sekaran, the Program Director of the Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary said the partnership is for them to boost the awareness of Wildlife Animals in Sierra Leone and they use Cycling Salone series Cup to gain much recognition from the Public in terms of the Wildlife Animals they are taking care of for the past years.
He confirmed that, they are ready to support the Cycling Federation at all time because the Sport is yet to gain it recognition amongst Sierra Leoneans.
The Sierra Leone National Cycling Federation has gained it recognition back after kick-Off of the Salone Series Cup in Country.
Speaking after Sierra Leone victory head coach Yusuf Kamara heaps praise on his side for a fantastic job. He said his boys should brace for next week’s semifinal encounter against Central Africa Republic when addressing the team.
“We are in the semi-final, so If the quarter-finals had eight fantastic teams, imagine the four that have secured the spots already, so anything can happen;” he said.
“A big opponent is waiting for us in the semi-final but it doesn’t matter their strength. They know we are a team with a special spirit even if we are not at the maximum of our potential.”
“Nobody expected us to reach this far but you guys have to brace up for the challenges ahead. We go back to trainings and see how you can build on your mental strength”. “I have to be honest, I am expecting a very tough match against our next opponent because their records said it all;” he fumed
He continued: “They are one of the three teams, including us and South Sudan, who haven’t lost any game yet but am sure with the experience we have in this team will get the job done and take us to another final after 5 years”.
He however thanked the fans for their support since the tournament started “The fans are amazing and I would like to thank them especially those who came out in this bad weather to support the team. He however called on the community to come out in large numbers to support the boys in the semi-final on Saturday coming.