HENOK MULUEBERHAN OF ERITREA IS AFRICAN ROAD CHAMPION

HENOK MULUEBERHAN OF ERITREA IS AFRICAN ROAD CHAMPION

The battle line was drawn on numerous predictions as to who will win the final Men’s Road Race at the ongoing Africa Road Championships in Ghana.

It was a final frenetic finish by the predictable defending champion, Henok Mulueberhan in a time of 3,04,27 to secure the Gold medal in the 120km Road battle over 11laps.

Hamza Yacine of Algeria, came second with Morroccan ,Achraf El Dugmy placing third in similar time. Infact over 16 riders sprang to the bunch finish but the witty Eritrean had to squeeze water out of stone to drop ahead of his compatriots in this heated road work.

A total of 84 riders started the process, building up a hefty bunch battle even in the 3rd and 4th lap. All riders concentrating on any modus to outwit the busy bunch.

By the 5th lap, Burkinabe import, Paul Damont had pulled up his best and had registered his presence in the break away. Closely paced by Mauritius.

The sun,at this stage was very excellent, giving the riders a respite to deliver on their cranks.

By the 9th lap, the Eritreans had taken control of the breakaway bunch. Five riders in deep custody of the bunch and had tactically masterminded the Frontline.

One more lap to go, and the crowd could hardly sit. The Eritrean locals in Ghana began the chants and got developed in confident optimism.

When the breakaway bunch negotiated the bend on the far side and began the onslaught towards the finish line,,hell broke lose.

The cluster of the approaching peloton scattered 50 metres to the finish line. Henok located to the middle, looked back and sprang out from the rounded bunch.

He elevated himself on his bicycle and like a flash of lightning, crossed the white line. He had repeated the same feat he chalked in the last Edition. He score board registering the fair, cool and shy looking Eritrean as the reigning champion in the Men’s Elite Road Race category.

The Men’s Under 23 category saw Renus Uhuriwe Byiza claiming Gold in 3,04,27. Aklilu Arifayne of Eritrea placing second with Algeria’s Amari Hamza placing third.

The closing ceremony was spectacular with the Eritreans taking centre stage. The dance, the chants and the ecstasy that climaxed the presentations was simply fantastic.

Africa has a new hero in the Men’s Elite Road Race. And he is Henok Mulueberhan of Eritrea. He deserves his reign.

Dennis Kweku Moore
Cycling Reporter/ Public Relations-Ghana Cycling Federation

Email: moorecycling67@gmail.com