Tour de l’espoir: Cameroon Still To Win Any Lap

The second edition of the ongoing U23 African cycling race called “Tour de L’espoir” will enter the fourth stage today February 8, 2019. The last but one stage will take place along the Ngoulemakong-Yaounde highway, a distance of 111.1km. It will be an opportunity for the inhabitants of Yaounde and its environs to watch young cyclists display rich talents in the discipline.

Organised by Vivendi Sport in collaboration with the Ministry of Sports and Physical Education and the Cameroon Cycling Federation (FECACYCLIME) the competition brings together 108 cyclists from Africa, Europe, America and Asia. Out of 20 countries that were invited to the competition only 18 are in Cameroon.

Kenya and Nigeria did not make the trip to Cameroon for internal reasons. The race which began on February 4, 2019 in Douala will end tomorrow February 9, 2019 in Yaounde. The third lap was from Nkongsamba in the Littoral Region to Dschang in the West Region, a distance of 68.8km. The race was won by Eritrea’s Yakob Debesay in 01h41’37”. The lap was particularly difficult because the cyclists had to ride up the cliff of Santchou altitude of 1.460m.Yakob Debesay has not only won two laps, he has also taken control of the yellow jersey held by his compatriot, 19-year-old Natnael Mebrahtom.