Ouagadougou: Saturnin Yamogo, representing the Association of Young Cyclists of Koudougou (AJCK), emerged victorious in the national cycling championship in the senior men's category. The championship concluded with an exhilarating sprint on Avenue Thomas Sankara in Ouagadougou, where Yamogo outpaced Moukaila Rawend of AS Bessel to secure the coveted national jersey.
According to Burkina Information Agency, the race commenced in Kaya, located in the Centre-North region, with 67 participants from 18 clubs. The cyclists embarked on a challenging journey covering nearly 171 kilometers to Ouagadougou. Following the first leg, the competitors participated in a criterium on Thomas Sankara Avenue, providing entertainment for the public before reaching the finish line.
Throughout much of the race, Saturnin Yamogo remained inconspicuous within the peloton, strategically conserving his energy. His decisive sprint in the final meters allowed him to complete the 170.750 kilometers in 4 hours, 11 minutes, and 39 seconds, maintaining an average speed of 40.711 km/h. Yamogo attributed his triumph to the collective effort of his teammates and expressed gratitude for their support. He succeeds his teammate Daouda Soulama, the 2025 champion, and receives the national jersey, a trophy, and a prize of 1,500,000 FCFA.
The championships also featured competitions in women's and youth categories. In the elite women's division, reigning champion Awa Bamogo retained her title, defeating her primary rival, Lamoussa Zoungrana. In the junior boys' category, Mohamed Wininga from CCOFA claimed the national title.
The B championship, designed for clubs from rural areas, was won by Paul Fid¨le Oudraogo of the Namaneg-Zanga club in Tenkodogo, with Salomon Kr from the Naba Sigri club also from Tenkodogo securing second place. Among the youngest participants, 29 cyclists competed over a 20.4-kilometer distance, with Didier Kabor of ACSB emerging victorious.
The closing ceremony was officiated by the Minister of Sports, who expressed satisfaction with the high level of competition and optimism for the future of Burkinabe cycling.
Excellence Hotel, a long-time supporter of the Burkina Faso Cycling Federation (FBC), continues to play a pivotal role in promoting the sport. Providing accommodation for cyclists during the national championships and the Tour du Faso, the hotel also organizes the Excellence Hotel Grand Prix to foster cycling in the nation.
During the championships, Excellence Hotel awarded special prizes to the youngest competitors in various categories, each receiving 50,000 FCFA, a jersey, and a trophy. Dieudonn Kafando, events manager at Excellence Hotel, reaffirmed the establishment's dedication to Burkinabe cycling, emphasizing the hotel's commitment over the past two decades. With modern facilities in Ouagadougou and Koudougou, Excellence Hotel remains a key partner of the Tour du Faso and the Burkinabe cycling community.