Ghanaian cyclist Victor Cudjoe Akpabli has called for increased international exposure and financial support for local riders after he observed a significant experience gap between Ghanaian and Burkinabè cyclists.
Akpabli, who emerged victorious at the Osagyefo Criterium, said the Burkinabè riders who competed in Ghana had benefited from greater exposure to international competitions, giving them an advantage over their Ghanaian counterparts.
“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, Ghana’s cyclists were also disadvantaged by limited opportunities to compete at a higher level, leaving them without the competitive exposure needed to properly challenge the visitors.
He said the experience strengthened his determination ahead of the Osagyefo Criterium, where he went on to claim victory.
“The previous experience is what made me competent, and I was able to come out on top,” Akpabli said.
The national team captain believes Ghana has the talent to produce cyclists capable of competing professionally outside the country but says inadequate funding remains a major obstacle.
“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.
Akpabli said while sponsorship is available for some cycling events in Ghana, individual riders and teams often struggle to secure the financial support needed to compete internationally.
“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, who is also a corporal with the Ghana Police Service, combines his duties with competitive cycling.
For him, however, cycling extends beyond competition and work, with the sport also playing an important role in his personal wellbeing.
“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.”
