Ouagadougou: Burkinab¨ runner Lamoussa Zoungrana won the first edition of the Yennenga Grand Prix of Ouagadougou on Sunday on Thomas Sankara Avenue, AIB observed on site.
According to Burkina Information Agency, having broken away from the start, Lamoussa Zoungrana and Awa Bamogo were never caught by the peloton until the finish line. They shared the primes between them. The head-to-head battle continued throughout the 12 laps of the 5.1km circuit, for a total distance of 61.2km.
It was in the final meters that Lamoussa Zoungrana overtook her teammate Awa Bamogo. The Burkinabe cyclist Zoungrana completed the distance in 1 hour, 42 minutes, and 26 seconds, for an average speed of 35.847 km/h.
The pace of the race was relentless on Thomas Avenue, where cycling enthusiasts turned out in droves to cheer on their local favorites. Meanwhile, Wassilatou Convolbo attempted to bridge the gap with the two leading women but was unsuccessful. She was eventually overtaken by three other Burkinab¨ cyclists: Elvine Yam©ogo, Ad¨le Guissou, and Samiratou Zongo.
Of the countries invited to the competition, only the Nigerian riders were able to complete the race in their entirety, within the peloton. Two Burundian and two Cameroonian riders were also in the peloton. All three Malian riders were overtaken and forced to abandon the race according to the rules.
For winning the race, Lamoussa Zoungrana took home the trophy, the jersey, and the sum of 300,000 FCFA, leaving 275,000 FCFA to his challenger Awa Bamogo and 250,000 FCFA to Elvine Yam©ogo who finished third.
"I commend the country's top authorities, the Burkinabe Cycling Federation, the coaches, mechanics, and teammates for the two victories that have gone to Burkina Faso: the Yennenga Women's Tour and the Yennenga Grand Prix. We valiantly defended the national flag to win these two competitions. I didn't win a stage in the women's tour, but all the stages were won by Burkinabe riders, except for the final stage, and I'm proud of that. We must remain united like this for the upcoming events," said Lamoussa Zoungrana.
Among the top 10 winners were two Nigerians: Divine Ogbe (8th) and Gidwin Grsce (9th). The other eight were from Burkina Faso. The next edition has been scheduled.