The 2026 AVATIME Cycling Competition, held today on a challenging 60-kilometre course through the mountainous terrain of the Volta Region, has ended in controversy after organisers stripped Nigerian cyclist John Gabriel of his first-place finish, despite crossing the line ahead of all competitors.
John Gabriel of Nigeria originally won the race, which began in the morning at Avatime Vane and took riders through Dzokpuita, Matse, Biakpa, and Dzolokpuita Newtown before returning to Vane. However, race officials announced that an initial protest lodged by the majority of Ghanaian cyclists against the participation of Nigerien cyclists filed earlier in the day remained in effect. Consequently, Gabriel was disqualified from taking first position, and the top honour was awarded to Ghana’s Prince Quaye (TBT), who originally finished second.
The final classified rankings for the 2026 AVATIME Cycling Competition are as follows:
1. Prince Quaye (TBT)
2. Emmanuel Sesi (Royal Star)
3. Prince Maison (Team Sky)
4. Francis Owusu (River Pack)
5. Solomon Tagoe (Gutten Cycling Club)
6. Victor Cudjoe (Young Stars)
7. Ransford Ampiaw
8. Alex Quansah (FCG)
9. Philip Sowah
10. Alexander Allotey
In a related development aimed at de-escalating tensions ahead of the race, the Nigerien cyclists agreed to participate in the AVATIME Cycling Competition without competing for prize money. That concession followed threats by Ghanaian cyclists to boycott the event entirely if Nigerien riders were permitted to race on equal terms.
Despite the pre-race agreement, the morning protest against Nigerien cyclists upheld by organisers effectively barred any non-Ghanaian winner from being recognised, leading to John Gabriel’s unprecedented disqualification after victory.