Cycling Independence Competition Organized by Lebaneas Faderation

1979 Nov 11 Cycling Independence Competition Organized by Lebaneas Faderation On Sunday, 11 November 1979, the Lebanese Cycling Federation organized a 50-kilometer race for seniors and juniors on the occasion of Lebanon’s Independence Day. In this race, AGBU-Antranik’s young cyclists achieved commendable results, sweeping the first four places in the junior category. First place was won by Minas Melkonian, second by Ali Shamseddine, third by Samir Kanaan, and fourth by Mehdi Khayyat. It should be noted that all sporting activities within Antranik are in a phase of revival, including the Antranik cycling team, which, at its very first opportunity, proved its ability to win prizes. We look forward to their continued commitment and effort in order to reach the level they had attained in the recent past.------ Of the four junior cyclists representing Lebanon in the team that took part in the competition held in Libya, all four belong to Antranik. The team departed for Libya on 18 November. The junior champion of the race, Minas Melkonian, is 18 years old. He has loved cycling from a young age and began training only in 1978. He was especially encouraged by Ghazaros Khachikian and, above all, by his father. The race of 11 November 1979 was his first competition, and it was crowned with success.