Bahati Cycling Classic debuts in Accra with Samiratu Zongo and Nuru Pardie crowned first champions

ACCRA, Ghana — July 12, 2026 — History was made on the streets of Accra on Sunday as the Bahati Cycling Classic, in collaboration with the Ghana Cycling Federation, staged its maiden edition, delivering thrilling racing across four categories and crowning Burkina Faso’s Samiratu Zongo and Ghana-based veteran Nuru Pardie as the first-ever champions.

The one-day event drew riders from across West Africa to compete over a 3.3km circuit. Women raced 5 laps for a total of 16.5km, while the men battled through 15 laps to complete 49.5km.

The women’s race belonged to 20-year-old Samiratu Zongo of Burkina Faso. The rising star dominated both the Women’s Elite and Women’s U23 categories, winning in a time of 29:34.03 to claim the inaugural title. It was a commanding performance from the Burkinabe, who finished more than four minutes clear of the field. Ghana’s Abigail Tetteh took second place in 33:51.56, with compatriot Kensema Adade rounding out the podium in 36:16.16.

In the men’s race, experience triumphed as 48-year-old Nuru Pardie of Gladiators Cycling Team powered to victory in the Men’s Elite category. The veteran covered the demanding 49.5km course in 1:20:59.59, holding off a fast-finishing chase group. Emmanuel Sesi crossed the line second in 1:21:28.91, with Solomon Tagoe completing the podium just fractions later in 1:21:29.75. Pardie’s win made him the first male champion of the Bahati Cycling Classic and one of the oldest winners of an elite UCI-style road race in the region.

The future of the sport was also on display in the Men’s U23 race, where Burkina Faso’s Jona Pona took the win in 1:21:36.13. Ghana had reason to cheer as Lynford Allotey finished second and Ransford Appiah came third in 1:21:49.19, giving the hosts two riders on the U23 podium.

Winners across all categories received trophies, product prizes, and cash awards as part of Bahati’s commitment to growing competitive cycling in Africa. With strong participation, close finishes, and international winners, the Bahati Cycling Classic has laid the foundation for what organizers hope will become a marquee event on the African cycling calendar.

Full Results:
Women Elite/U23:

1. Samiratu Zongo (BUR) – 29:34.03
2. Abigail Tetteh (GHA) – 33:51.56
3. Kensema Adade (GHA) – 36:16.16
   

Men Elite:

1. Nuru Pardie (GHA/Gladiators) – 1:20:59.59 |
2. Emmanuel Sesi (GHA) – 1:21:28.91 |
3. Solomon Tagoe (GHA) – 1:21:29.75

Men U23:

1. Jona Pona (BUR) – 1:21:36.13 |
2. Lynford Allotey (GHA) |
3. Ransford Appiah (GHA) – 1:21:49.19