Garango: Burkinabe rider Awa Bamogo emerged victorious in the second stage of the Yennenga International Women's Tour, held between Guiba and Garango, covering a distance of 68.350 kilometers. The stage concluded with a mass sprint, where Bamogo outpaced her compatriots Lamoussa Bamogo and Samiratou Zongo to claim the win.
According to Burkina Information Agency, Awa Bamogo executed a remarkable burst of speed in the final 100 meters, completing the circuit in 1 hour, 56 minutes, and 5 seconds, achieving an average speed of 35.380 km/h. The race saw intense competition with the peloton staying tightly packed, effectively neutralizing any breakaway attempts. The Burkinab¨ riders dominated the proceedings, resulting in a clean sweep of the podium by the Stallions.
The sole intermediate sprint of the day, located at Niangho at the 39-kilometer mark, was also claimed by the Stallions. Awa Bamogo crossed the line first, followed by Lamoussa Zoungrana and Nigerian rider Godwin Grace. Following this sprint, the Burkinabe riders increased their pace, leaving Grace struggling to maintain her position.
In the final 10 kilometers, the Guimbi Ouattara team intensified the pace, causing Obiloma Ther¨se of Cameroon, Edfiong Patience of Nigeria, and another Cameroonian rider to falter and crash. Although Ther¨se and Patience managed to rejoin the peloton, they were unable to contest for the stage victory. USFA rider Awa Bamogo demonstrated resilience and focus, ultimately seizing victory and securing the prestigious Red Luilli pende and green jerseys of the competition, with the pink jersey of the intermediate sprints going to Lamoussa Zoungrana.
The event was graced by Stella Eldine Kabore, Minister Delegate to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Regional Cooperation, and Burkinab¨ Abroad, who highlighted the significance of sport as a unifying force. She noted the participation of cyclists from Burundi, Cameroon, Mali, and Nigeria as a testament to the ideal of African integration, expressing her wishes for the continued success of the initiative.
The race will continue with the third and longest stage, spanning 70.87 kilometers, set to depart from Tenkodogo and conclude in Zorgho.