African Games 2023: South Africa’s Hayley Preen rides her way to glory, scoops gold in women’s cycling

South Africa’s Sprinter Hayley Preen sprang to an astonishing solo finish in a time of 2hrs,41mins, 53secs to win Gold in the 2023 African Games Women’s Road Race event at Ablekuma Olebu .

The witty South African was closed followed by three other riders in same time ; Halbwachs Aurelie of Mauritius, Houli Nesrine of Algeria and Bamogo Awa from neighboring Burkina Faso.

Interestingly, Nigerian poster Lady and Paris bound import, Ukpeseraye Ese Lovina came through the sixth spot in same time.

The race was flagged by Confederation of Africa Cycling Secretary General, Mohammed Bashiru of Nigeria and that signalled the beginning of hostilities.

The first two laps was simply unpredictable as the expected break aways popped up mid way the Vicolis area.

At a point Mauritius dragged the entire bunch and was quickly overtaken by Rwanda.

By the sixth circuit, it was unpredictable who would dictate the pace. The bunch had torn into pieces terribly.

A close shave attack occured by the 6th lap between the Rwanda and South Africa, with the latter dictating the pace and dragging the retreating peloton.

It was obvious Ukpeseraye Ese Lovina of Nigeria was going to cause a stir in the pen ultimate lap until she was totally dropped in the final bend.

Then came South Africa’s Sprinter Hayley Preen. She maintained her steady composure at the bend and ended her assignment with a blistering solo finish.

The women’s Road Race set up the pace in this year’s Africa Games hosted by Ghana with 50 riders in contention.

16 Cyclists abrogated the Race including all the Ghanaians, Erica sedzro, Abigail Tetteh, Marjorie Quaye and Agana Rebecca.

The event enters into yet another unmissable day tomorrow as the men’s Road Race takes center stage. A crucial 160km clearance is in the offing as the cream de la cream of African Riders are on standby for the action.

Dennis Kweku Moore
Cycling Writer