Organisers of the Teshie Homowo Cycling Challenge have named autistic cyclist, Young Phil Bertino as a guest rider at this year’s race scheduled for Saturday, September 4.

The 14-year-old prodigy would join a field of over 60 professional riders for the 17th edition of the challenge organized by Quick Step Cycling Club with support from the Liztino Centre for Children with Special Needs.

Bertino who has over the year's used his exploits on the track to create awareness about autism in Ghana said Saturday's race will serve as another platform to educate Ghanaians.

"I am excited to join cyclists across the capital and beyond for this race which would see some of the best in the country battle for glory," he stated.

He added that competing in such races, alerts the public about the need to accept autistic children and support them to live normal lives.

Race

The 2021 Teshie Homowo Cycling Challenge challenge is a 90kilometre criterium race of about 40 laps which will be contested by 12 clubs.

The race forms part of activities to celebrate the Teshie Homowo festival.

The organizer of the Challenge, Nathaniel Sowah Agoe said they were excited to have Bertino on board because it would attract more young people to cycling.

"We need to nurture young cyclists to take over from the old ones and having Phil on board would be a step in the right direction," he stated.

"We have organised this for the past 17 years and it was without accident. I urge corporate Ghana to come on board to support the challenge".