Henry Tetteh –Djangmah of Die Hard survived a painful fall but roared to win the Cowbell Cycling Tour 2012. With a bloody mouth, arms and legs, Tetteh-Djangmah cruised to the finish line to crown an excruciating, yet exciting 1,313 km ride around eight regions of Ghana. “I’m still feeling the pains but I feel so good that I made it. When I fell I realized I had to keep fighting to the end,” he told Joy Sports. This is Henry’s second successive title after winning the maiden edition in 2011. Knowing very well he had an uncomfortable lead of 24 seconds against a young and very promising cyclist, Victor Cudjoe, the defending champion had to start sprinting immediately after his fall until he ended the race before his wounds were treated. Stage 11 started with a publicity ride from Ada to Teshie. The cyclists were instructed to move together as a big bunch (peloton) until the actual race commences at Teshie. When the director of the race, Mohammed Shaaban signaled the cyclist into action at Teshie, Razak Umar Jnr of Die hard was the first out of the block to make his move to protect the Yellow jersey. Samuel Anim tried to catch up but was unsuccessful. William Nartey of His Majesty however caught up and eventually won the first and only hot spot of the race. The Hot Spot also signaled the last lap of the race. 100 m into the last lap, Samuel Anim took control amidst cheers from fans which sped him on to widen the distance between him and the peloton. Later, 8 riders left the main peloton including four of Henry’s team mates -Die Hard- and two from Victor Cudjoe’s team -All Stars. Seconds later, almost all the members of the peloton including the yellow jersey were mysteriously on the floor. The ambulance was quick to respond however Henry quickly picked himself up in blood, resisted treatment and started sprinting towards the finishing line. Some riders did not have the courage to continue as they succumbed to the pain. Sensing his main competition-Henry Tetteh Djangmah- was down on floor, Victor Cudjoe, who was slightly ahead of the peloton that crashed, quickly sprinted away. The members of Die Hard who survived the crash were hot on Cudjoe’s heels as they did everything possible to keep him from going too far. The 18 year old rider, Victor Cudjoe lacked the support to counter the actions of those who were keeping him in check. Henry overtook almost all those in front of him as he substantially closed the gap between himself and Victor. Samuel was the first to reach the finish line with a sprint. Dickson Poku (Victory Cycling Club Takoradi) came in second ahead of the ‘old fox’ John Zormelo (quick steps) who was third. Victor Cudjoe came in 7 seconds ahead of Henry to the finish line. Nonetheless it was not enough to spoil Henry’s party but enough to keep the best youngest rider award: White Jersey. Even though Henry came into the finish line looking nervous, he was not comfortable until the officials delivered a final verdict when he broke into tears of joy. He won the ultimate Yellow Jersey for being the rider with the best time (least time in completing the entire 1313km). This title winning feat cost Henry his blood, sweat and tears. “This second edition was very competitive and an improvement than last year” said Mohammed Shaaban, Director of the Tour. Samuel Anim was very happy and proud of his achievement of maintaining the most aggressive rider title: Red Jersey and being the rider with the most accumulated points (Green Jersey). “I’m very proud and next year I’ll do greater things”. The tour was officially brought to an end with a colorful closing ceremony at the International Trade Fair centre La, where cycling enthusiasts and the general public were entertained with good music and a Spectacular display of fireworks that could rival any international closing ceremony. The fans were also treated to short speeches from key stake holders of the competition including Olivier Thiry who is Managing Director of Promasidor Ghana Limited, Denis Martin Managing Director of Pens and Plastic Ghana Limited, Mr walanyo Agra Director General of National Sports Authority and the President of Ghana Cycling Federation. They all expressed their joy to be part of the Success of this year’s edition and promised to do more to support the Sports in Subsequent editions.