LOS ANGELES, CA (JUNE 19, 2024)The BahatiFoundation, based in Los Angeles,
California, recently invited and hosted Mr. Shaaban Mohammed, Secretary General of the Ghana
Cycling Federation, to take a Familiarization Tour to the U.S. The tour dates were June 13-17,
- It was a tremendous successand meant many objectives related to the next steps in
launching the collaboration between the Ghana Cycling Federation and the Bahati Foundation.
This tour is part of the initial launch of the Bahati Foundation landmark Ride to New Horizons
African Cycling Initiative. The tour concluded successfully inNew York Cityat the Harlem
Skyscraper Cycling Classic.
“We are privileged to host Mr. Mohammed from the Ghana Cycling Federation here in Los
Angelesand New York, where he can witness firsthand the site of the 2028 Summer Olympic
Gamesand the Skyscraper Cycling Classic,” stated Rahsaan Bahati, founder of Bahati
Foundation and 10-time U.S. Champion Pro Cyclist. “This visit marks an exciting opportunity
for us to address challenges and find solutions alongside the Ghana, Lesotho, and Burkina Faso
Cycling Federations whilehighlighting the critical importance of developing Cycling throughout
Africa. Our foundation is proud to launch its African Cycling Initiative through this meaningful
partnershipwith Ghana. Africa possesses immense talent and potential to excel not only in
Cycling but in all arenas. All that’s needed is the opportunity to compete.”
Photo Credit: Bahati Foundation Picture 1 Shaaban Mohammed, Ghana Cycling Federation, Rahsaan Bahati, Founder Bahati Foundation at Zwift
Training Lab Long Beach, California. Picture 2 Shaaban Mohammed standing in Zwift Corporate Headquarters lobby.
During his visit to Los Angeles, Mr. Mohammed had the opportunity to explore various key
institutions aimed at enhancing cycling and sports medicine capabilities. He visited Zwift
Corporate Headquarters in downtown Long Beach, where he received an exclusive tour of their
offices and stateoftheart training lab, featuring the launch of their latest product, the Zwift
trainer.
Additionally, Mr. Mohammed toured the prestigious Velo Sports Center at Dignity Health Park
in Carson, California. The Velo Sports Center, home to a world-class Velodrome and the
primary training facility for the US National Track Cycling Team, showcased cutting-edge
training methodologies and facilities.
Photo credit: Bahati Foundation Picture 1 Rashid Bahati Executive Dir Bahati Foundation and Shaaban Mohammed at Velo Sports Center
Picture 2 –Rashid Bahati, Shaaban Mohammed, and Rahsaan Bahati at the weekly ELDO Park CriteriumRacing Series
During the tour of L.A., Mr. Mohammed had a unique opportunity to visit the Bahati
Foundation’s weekly criterium racing series held at Eldorado Park in the City of Long Beach.
This racing series is produced in conjunction with Methods to Winning Inc., a local race team.
The racing series provides an excellent training environment for criterium racers to improve their
skills and tactics for high-speed racing.
A significant highlight of his visit was a productive meeting at one of the U.S.’s top historically
Black Medical Schools, Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science in Los Angeles.
During this meeting, Mr. Mohammed engaged with Dr. Lisa Barkley, Chair of the Department of
Family Medicine, Dr. Lejeune Y. Lockett, Director of the Office of International Affairs, and
Sana Shaheer Abbasi, Program Manager. Discussions centered around potential exchange
programs for Ghana cyclists and strategies to builds Photo credit: Bahati Foundation-(l to r)Shaaban Mohammed, Sec. General Ghana Cycling Federation, Dr. Lisa Barkley, Chair of the
Department of Family Medicine, Dr. Lejeune Y. Lockett, Director of the Office of International Affairs, Sana Shaheer Abbasi, Program
Manager and Rashid Bahati, Executive Director Bahati Foundation
The tour continued in New York City, where Mr. Mohammed attended the prestigious Harlem
Skyscraper Cycling Classic hosted by the Bahati Foundation. The event featured the Motion
Equals Healthy 2nd Annual Bike Giveaway and Bike Clinic, promoting healthy lifestyles and
cycling among youth. Mr. Mohammed actively participated in various activities, gaining insights
into race organization and fostering relationships for potential participation of the Ghana
National Race Team in future Crit. races in Harlem and across the United States.
Photo credit: Bahati Foundation Harlem Skyscraper Cycling Classic startfinish line Bahati Foundation Bike Giveaway
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