The government of Sierra Leone has failed to provide the necessary funds for the Sierra Leone National Cycling Association (SLNCA); as they are expected to participate in the third edition of the ECOWAS peace cycling tour for Mano River Union Countries, slated for Sunday 30th November 2008 in Conakry, Guinea.
Speaking to Awoko Sports about the issue, the President of the Association, Winston Crowther said that they have won the competition twice, but the government has failed to recognize them.
In a related development, twice defending champion of ECOWAS peace cycling tour for the Mano River Union Countries, Shadrack Williams would miss the third edition of this years’ competition in Guinea, as he was unable to make it during the trials.
Shadrack clocked a time of 2hrs; 04; 56 Seconds, while Alimamy Sesay finished with a time of 2hrs; 04; 22 seconds.
The trials were done on individual basis, with each cyclist having 3 minutes between them. A total of nine (9) cyclists participated in the trials.
Three cyclists, Moses Sesay, Augustine Sesay, and Saidu Mansaray who represented Sierra Leone in the tour du Faso have automatically qualified for the ECOWAS cycling competition in Guinea, due to their recent performance.
The cyclists who would be representing the Country in the third edition of the ECOWAS cycling tour are Moses Sesay, Augustine Sesay, Saidu Mansaray, Unisa K Kargbo, Mohamed Tolley and Alimany Sesay.
The delegation is expected to depart the shores of Freetown on Thursday; however the executive is calling on Government and other business houses for financial assistance.