Freetown, SIERRA LEONE – The 10th edition of one of the most anticipated cycling races in the sub-region, Tour De Lunsar, is set to kick off today, Thursday, April 18th, 2024. Nigeria and Benin are among the countries expected to participate in the four-day tour, scheduled to run until April 21st.
Abdul Karim Kamara, popularly known as Stylish, the Chief Executive Officer of Tour De Lunsar, disclosed that this year’s event will feature the junior men’s race covering a distance of 75.6 kilometers. The race will consist of ten laps of the Lunsar criterium course, followed by a route to Rogberi (Gbere) Junction before returning to Lunsar. The tour will conclude with six laps of the criterium circuit.
Stylish emphasized that the junior age group category will strictly comprise riders aged 19 years or under on the date of the race. Registration officials will verify the age of participants, with the authority to request identification cards or similar documentation from those suspected of being older than the stipulated age.
On April 19th, the men’s category will embark on Stage One, covering a route to Mile 38 beyond Masiaka before returning to Lunsar, totaling 74.5 kilometers. The intermediate sprint will be at Masiaka roundabout on the way back, covering 85.6 kilometers.
Stylish also outlined the itinerary for the women’s race, with Stage One on April 20th traveling from Lunsar to Port Loko and back, covering a distance of 50 kilometers. The following day, Stage Two will feature a 20-lap criterium, totaling 50 kilometers.
Additionally, on April 20th, Stage Two for the men’s race will see participants cycling to Makeni before returning to Lunsar. The intermediate sprint will be at Masongbo on the way to Makeni, covering 64.5 kilometers, while the climb will be at Communications Pole before Royanka on the return journey, totaling 100 kilometers.
Finally, on April 21st, Stage Three for the men will involve a 30-lap criterium around the central Lunsar circuit, with no intermediate points.
The organizers are awaiting confirmation from the cycling delegation from Liberia regarding their participation in the tour, according to CEO Tour De Lunsar. BT/18/4/2024