Ghanaian cyclist Victor Cudjoe Akpabli has called for greater international exposure and investment in cycling, saying limited competition opportunities and inadequate resources are holding back Ghanaian riders.
Akpabli, who won the men’s event at the Osagyefo Criterium, said his experience competing against Burkinabè riders highlighted the gap in international exposure between cyclists from the two countries.
“Cycling, for me what I observed is that they have experience. They have been to so many competitions before coming to Ghana to compete with us,” he said.
“The experience, the enthusiasm, and the strength they have is what gave them the upper hand over us. And they teamed up.”
According to Akpabli, regular participation in high-level competitions gives riders the experience needed to compete more effectively, while Ghanaian cyclists have comparatively fewer opportunities to test themselves internationally.
He said the experience also motivated him ahead of the Osagyefo Criterium, where he emerged victorious.
“The previous experience is what made me competent, and I was able to come out on top,” Akpabli said.
As national team captain, Akpabli said his ambition goes beyond winning domestic races, with the ultimate goal of seeing Ghana produce cyclists capable of competing professionally abroad.
“My vision is that Ghana produces one or two professional cyclists who compete outside the country. I believe in Ghanaian cycling. I’m hoping to be selected for those international events where Ghana has struggled to be at the top,” he said.
He also highlighted the financial challenges confronting riders, saying cyclists often have to finance their own equipment and logistics when competing.
“The challenge we have is that we buy our own equipment, our own logistics, everything ourselves,” he said.
“If government or corporate organisations came in to push the cyclists forward, it would help push us to the top.”
Akpabli, a corporal with the Ghana Police Service, combines his police duties with competitive cycling.
He said cycling has also become an important part of his personal life, particularly because of its health benefits.
“Besides being my job, cycling is also my hobby,” he said. “It’s the health benefits I’ve gained from cycling that have helped me get to where I am today, and I love to maintain that.”
