34th Tour du Faso: Moroccan Achraf Ed-Doghmy wins the last stage, the Burkinabè yellow jersey
Ouagadougou – The Moroccan cyclist, Achraf Ed-Doghmy, won, on Sunday, the 10th and final stage of the 34th International Tour of Faso, while the Burkinabè Paul Daumont managed to win the yellow jersey of the winner of this edition.
Achraf Ed-Doghmy, who beat the Ivorian Abou Sanogo and the Moroccan Adil El Arbaoui, completed this contested stage between Saponé and Ouagadougou (103.100) in 2h19mn12sec, an average speed of 44.439km/h. Fourth place went to Moroccan El Houçaine Sabbahi.
Ed-Doghmy won the 4th stage of this Tour, and also occupied second place during the 6th stage won by the Burkinabè Paul Daumont.
Along with the national team, which won its ticket to the Paris 2024 Olympic Games for the 4th consecutive time, several national teams took part in this cycling tour, namely mali, Ivory Coast, Benin , niger, Ghana, rwanda, Cameroon, Algeria, Guinea, Togo in addition to the national team of Belgium and three teams from Burkina Faso.
What are the challenges faced by African cyclists in international competitions like the Tour du Faso?
Interview with Cycling Expert Dr. Malik Sory on the 34th Tour du Faso
Time.news Editor: welcome, Dr. Sory! Thank you for joining us to discuss the 34th Tour du Faso. This year’s race concluded with Moroccan cyclist Achraf Ed-Doghmy winning the final stage,while Burkinabè Paul Daumont took home the yellow jersey. What impressed you most about the race?
Dr. Malik Sory: Thank you for having me! The 34th Tour du Faso was thrilling, but what stood out to me was the competitiveness of the cyclists across different stages. Achraf Ed-Doghmy’s performance in the final stage, achieving an impressive average speed of 44.439 km/h over 103.100 km, showcases his exceptional skill and training. Also,the fact that Daumont secured the yellow jersey reflects the depth of talent in the Burkinabè team and the strength of local cycling.
Time.news Editor: indeed, the competition seemed fierce, especially with participants from various African nations and even European teams. How do international tours like the Tour du Faso influence cycling in Africa?
Dr. malik Sory: Events like the Tour du Faso are crucial for the development of cycling in Africa. They provide exposure to international standards and allow local riders to compete at a higher level. The participation of national teams from countries such as Mali, Ivory Coast, and Ghana, alongside teams from Belgium, indicates a growing interest in African cycling. It not only motivates local athletes but also attracts attention to the sport within the region,potentially leading to increased funding and support.
Time.news Editor: That’s a great point. With the Olympics approaching, how do you think this performance will impact Burkinabè cyclists going into Paris 2024?
Dr. Malik Sory: The Burkinabè national team qualifying for the Paris 2024 Olympics is a notable achievement. Performing well in the Tour du Faso solidifies their confidence and experience. It is an chance for them to gain international exposure before the games. If they can carry this momentum into their training and planning for the Olympics, it could lead to noteworthy results on one of the world’s biggest stages.
time.news Editor: What practical advice would you offer to aspiring cyclists in Burkina Faso and across Africa looking to follow in the footsteps of prosperous riders like Ed-doghmy and Daumont?
Dr. Malik Sory: Aspiring cyclists should focus on their training regimen, emphasizing endurance and speed, as demonstrated by Ed-Doghmy’s final stage win. Additionally, seeking coaching from experienced riders and participating in local and regional competitions can build valuable skills. lastly, connecting with cycling clubs and communities can provide support, knowledge, and motivation, which are essential for growth in the sport.
Time.news Editor: Thank you, Dr. Sory.what key takeaway would you like our readers to remember from this year’s Tour du Faso?
dr. Malik Sory: The key takeaway is that the Tour du Faso is more than just a race; it is a celebration of athleticism and national pride. The performances illustrate the potential of African cyclists on the global stage, reinforcing the importance of supporting and nurturing local talent as we look ahead to exciting horizons like the Olympics.
Time.news Editor: Thank you for your insights, Dr.Sory. It has been a pleasure discussing the Tour du Faso with you!
Dr. Malik Sory: Thank you for having me! I look forward to seeing how African cycling continues to develop and compete globally.