Concord Times (Freetown)
Sahr Morris Jnr
25 November 2008
Two times ECOWAS cycling tour champion, Shadrack Williams is a dejected man after failing to qualify for this year's championship.
The tour, which is expected to take place later this month in Conakry, Guinea, would see the Sierra Leone team out to defend their title for the second time in a row.
Only 34 seconds drifted Williams away from qualifying for the tour after he finished in fourth position with 2hrs:4min: 56sec in Sunday's 46 miles trial.
Despite being put on the standby list, Williams was disappointed with himself having failed in his bid to defend and retain his title for the third time in a row.
However, the trio of Unisa Kesebeh Kargbo, Mohamed Thorlley and Alimamy Seasy would now join Sadiu Mansaray, Moses and Augustine Sesay for the tour.
The former captain, Kesebeh won the trial after finishing with a time of 2hrs:3min: 98sec, followed by Thorlley 2hrs:4min: 20sec and Seasy in third with 2hrs:4min: 22sec.
Bernard Turay, public relations officer of the National Cycling Association (NCA) said Augustine, Moses and Sadiu were saved from taking part in Sunday's trials due to their outstanding performances in the recent Tour de Faso.
On Williams's failure, Turay said he pities him but noted that the others prepared well and therefore deserved the results.
"Cycling is a sport you cannot cheat; it all depends on your performance. I have trust in the team and I believe they can defend their title and return home with the trophy for the second time," Turay said.
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