Preparations Intensify for 'Grand Prix International Chantal Biya'

The world cycling governing body has designated the commissioner for the 2013 edition of the race.

Preparations intensify towards the 13th edition of the international cycling race dubbed Grand Prix Chantal Biya. Committee members are working round the clock to make sure the competition takes place hitch-free this year especially as the International Cycling Union has expressed concern over lapses in the organization of cycling races in Cameroon.

While waiting for the second and last preparatory meeting to be summoned by the Minister of sports and Physical education, committee members meet every two days at the headquarters of the federation to evaluate progress in the preparations. So far, some 12 teams from Europe and Africa have confirmed their participation in the race.

Three teams will come from France, one from Slovakia and another from Switzerland. Burkina Faso, Gabon, the Republic of Congo and Nigeria have already also confirmed their participation. In preparation for the race, competitions have been organized in various regions. The last was the Challenge of West won by Kemason Abessolo.

However, Cameroon's real chances of winning the race rely on Yves Ngue Ngock and Mbah Hervé Raoul currently in France. The prologue of the race will be in Yaounde before laps to pass through Yaounde, Bafia, Yaounde, Meyomessala, Sangmelima and Mbalmayo.

Meanwhile, the International Cycling Union has already designated the commissioner for the next edition of the race to take place from October 16th to 20th. He is South African-born Hawtry Triag.