From Techiman to Kumasi (117km), Joseph Kudakpo of Die Hard Cycling Club from Accra, proved beyond doubt that he is capable of winning a stage victory, when he sprinted first to the finish line in Kronom, after several failed attempts. Prosper could not hide his delight as he immediately requested for an interview after his breakthrough performance. With his right fist pointed towards the skies, the elated Joseph told Joy Sports “I told you, I told you, I can do it, and I did it, I’m number one today.” However, Prosper Agbo (City Migro) and Moro Egala (Die hard) emerged as the biggest winners of the day since they now trail the Yellow Jersey (Isaac Sackey) by 2 seconds. This means that the Yellow Jersey could slip away from the grip of Young Stars, with the slightest false move, during the Kumasi Criterium (stage 8). Nyamekye Fetus (Young Stars), Godwin Dzheha (City Migro), Emmanuel Sackey( All Stars), and Abraham Akwetey (All Stars) dominated the early pace line after they broke way about 200m meters from the peloton just 1 km into the race, but only Fetus maintained the pace. Adnan Mohammed (River Park Kumasi), Nyamekye Fetus and Frank Awuku Akufo (All Stars), arrived quickest at Tanoso, to win the points at the first Hotspot of the race. After the first Hotspot also known as ‘Point Chaud’, where points are awarded, Emmanuel Sackey, Godwin and Abraham got back into the picture. They led the pace line, ahead of the bunch by about 600m. Basil Agyeman (City Migro) followed 70m away from the ‘big four’. 5km later, Kwadwo Baffour (River Park Kumasi) and Adams Anang (Quick Steps) escaped the bunch and joined the leading four riders. As they approached the second Hotspot at Abofour, 8 riders clearly distinguished themselves; they led their colleagues by almost 2.5 kilometers. Emmanuel Sackey and Abraham were present in the leading peloton; they worked for their teammate Frank Akuffo who is also a threat to the Yellow Jersey by about 6second. Fetus and Moro Amadu balanced the equation for their teammate, Isaac Sackey (Yellow Jersey). Godwin sought the interest of Prosper Agbo by his presence in the top 8, whilst Joseph eventually winner of the stage fought hard for Moro Egala. In their quest to keep the Yellow Jersey for their team (Young Stars), Moro and Fetus were vigilant; they placed first and second, at the second Hotspot, ahead of All Star’s Abraham. All these riders subsequently worked together until it was 50 meters to the whitewash (finish line) in Kronom, where the expectant crowd witnessed a field sprint finish. Even though Emmanuel Sackey is a better Sprinter than Joseph Kudakpo, Joseph surprisingly found himself first at the finishing line. He had finally exorcised the ill fate of poor finishing, which had bedeviled him in previous stages. Nyamekye came in third; making show he won points to keep the Yellow jersey in the Cabinet of the Young Stars, but this time with a slimmer margin of time (2 seconds). Stage 8 promises to bring Kumasi to a standstill as the sponsors of this Stage Bic Pens and Plastic limited promises cycling fans the best stage they will ever witness in this Tour. “Expect nothing but the best in the tour this year from stage 8” said Mike Nkrumah, Sales Manager Bic Pens and Plastics limited.