Adrien Petit wins Amissa Bongo cycling race

Adrien Petit is the winner of the 11th Edition of Tropical Amissa Bongo cycling competition.

He managed to defend his leader’s yellow jersey on the 7th and final stage of the event.

He was wary of Andrea Palini in the battle for bonus seconds from the beginning to the end of the stage.

The victory comes as a surprise to the Frenchman, who did not expect to take for the first time, the victory in a final classification of a stage race.

“I came here to really try to win a stage and in the end I raced on a day to day basis and it turned out well for me…and gradually i told myself…I am going to try to win. Its done and am pleased,” he said.

Adrien Petit #TeamDirectEnergie overall winner of tropicale2016 Great job TeamDEN_fr Fantastic 1st race for team!! pic.twitter.com/ixQePlnTNY

— BH Bikes (@BH_Bikes) January 24, 2016

Gabon’s President Ali Bongo graced the closing ceremony of the event. He also takes pride in the sporting event.

“This race has gained reputation and on the sporting level, it is a race that is very interesting and very rewarding for African cycling,” he said.

Adrien proved that he had built great confidence in Gabon, where he won three stages.

The 2016 edition was also marked by Eritrean Tesfom Okubamariam who led the race for a day becoming the first African amateur to wear the yellow jersey in the race.