Brikama - Banjul is the first, and as of season 40 only, race in The Gambia. The smallest country on mainland Africa consists of the two banks of the Gambia river. It is often claimed that width of the country corresponds to the range of a British naval cannon from the river. The Gambia is bordered on three side by Senegal and to the west is the Atlantic Ocean.
From the start in Brikama the riders ride south-west to ...
Read moreBrikama - Banjul is the first, and as of season 40 only, race in The Gambia. The smallest country on mainland Africa consists of the two banks of the Gambia river. It is often claimed that width of the country corresponds to the range of a British naval cannon from the river. The Gambia is bordered on three side by Senegal and to the west is the Atlantic Ocean.
From the start in Brikama the riders ride south-west to Gunjur. There they hit the Coastal Road and will follow that all the way to Serrakunda. On the way the riders will ride along the Alantic Ocean, so they have to be careful about the wind. In addition to riding along the coast they will also pass through Tanji Bird Reserve, but the riders will probably be to busy to pay much attention to the birds.
In Serrakunda, which is the biggest city in The Gambia, the road to the capital, Banjul, is just straight ahead. Banjul is situated on an island with the same name, so the riders will have to pass the bridge, which is the only hill of the day. Once the riders get there they will take a little tour around the town to finish on Independence Drive just in front of the City Council. The roads are wide, so even though there are a few corners, it is not a very technically demanding route. With no hills and very few corners, this route really suits the sprinters who are good on long straight roads.