Songezo Jim found himself in the breakaway at La Tropicale Amissa Bongo for the second day in a row. The South African was again caught with less than 10 kilometres to race as he and his two breakaway companions were reeled in by a chasing bunch. Youcef Reguigui who has been struggling with a stomach bug returned to form by sprinting to seventh on the stage. Team MTN-Qhubeka p/b Samsung remain in a good position in the race as Linus Gerdemann maintained his fourth position on the general classification. Directeur Sportif, Kevin Campbell gives us a rundown of the day’s events… “Today went according to.

The conclusion of the second stage of La Tropicale Amissa Bongo today saw Linus Gerdemann hold onto his fourth place on the general classification. The team was again aggressive as the day started with Songezo Jim forming part of the main escape of the day. Along with a Spaniard, he was the last rider to be caught as the stage drew to a close and was presented with the jersey as the most combative rider on the day by five times Tour de France champion Bernard Hinault. The stage was won by Jerome Baugnies (Wanty – Groupe Goubert) while stage one victor Luis Leon Sanchez.

Team MTN-Qhubeka p/b Samsung rider Linus Gerdemann got his return to the sport off to a good start in La Tropicale Amissa Bongo on Monday. Gerdemann finished the opening stage of the African race in fourth place. The German was part of a select group of 21 riders who broke away in the first hour and stayed away until the finish. Adrien Niyonshuti also represented the team in the escape group. The first stage was won by Luis Leon Sanchez of Spanish Pro Continental team Caja Rural. The stage took place over 149 kilometres from Bitam to Ebolowa which is in neighboring Cameroon. Egoitz Garcia.

Team MTN-Qhubeka p/b Samsung gets its 2014 season underway in Africa next week in La Tropicale Amissa Bongo. The race takes place from 13 – 19 January in Gabon and has successfully again attracted some of the biggest teams in the sport. Being Africa’s first registered UCI Professional Continental team, Team Principal Douglas Ryder says the race is significant for the team as it takes place on home soil. “It is fantastic to be able to end our season in Rwanda and start 2014 in Gabon. We are a proudly South African and African team and it is important for Team MTN-Qhubeka p/b Samsung to.