Bianchi proves unbeatable
The men’s Fundsmith Tour de Lunsar came to a close with a fantastic display of aggressive criterium racing on 26 April. Starting at 3pm, the men set off in the sunlight, but by the time the presentations were made the sun was setting on the town.
Joel Kyaviro (Black Mamba Development Squad) came into the final stage on equal time with race leader Ibrahim ‘Bianchi’ Jalloh, knowing full well that he would need to gap his rival in order to wrest the yellow jersey from his shoulders. The Congolese rider tried everything to make that happen, with a series of excoriating attacks that stretched out the field and dropped plenty of riders – but Bianchi would not shift.
American Dante Young, an experienced crit racer, was ruled out of contention with a puncture, leaving the way open for Jalloh and Kyaviro to contest the stage. As the final lap began, the crowd began to roar. By the time the riders were back some four short minutes later, they were sent into raptures. Jalloh, the hometown boy, was able to take the stage win – securing his Fundsmith yellow jersey in the process.
At the end of three brilliant days of racing it only remains to thank our superb sponsors, and of course the fans who make Tour de Lunsar what it is: West Africa’s noisiest bike race.
Enjoy the galleries from Oskar Scarsbrook and Abdul Hamid Kanu below.
Oskar Scarsbrook
Abdul Hamid Kanu
