The Algerian, Hamza Yacine won on Wednesday 3 May 2023 the 2nd stage of the Tour of Benin, run between Parakou-Save, distance 156,42Km. He was ahead in the sprint with a time of 3h51′43″ and an average speed of 40,50 Km/h Moroccan Achraf Ed-Doghmy who retains the yellow jersey and Bennett Stefan of Guam (3th).
Indeed, with a slightly uneven profile, makes small drops, this stage was dominated for a good part by Rodrigue Nounawe Kuere from Cameroon who got worn out playing hare. Finally, he managed to afford (-6) in bonus therefore, first in two of the three intermediate sprints. Unfortunately at 53 Km from arrival, he is caught up by the peloton which has remained together for a while. Finally, he finished 42nd on the stage and 19th overall.
A 25 Km from arrival, the race configuration has changed with a bunched peloton and a breakaway of 17 runners whose yellow jersey. These are these 17 cyclists who led the race to the finish. Fort au mental, combative and strategist, Algerian Hamza Yacine crossed the finish line first. Behind him is the Moroccan Achraf Ed-Doghmy who keeps the yellow jersey. In the general classification, Cameroonian Kamzong Abossolo Clovis comes second and Burkinabè Koné Souleymane is third..
Arrived in 12th position on the 56 runners at the end of this second stage, Ricardo Sodjèdé retains the jersey of the first of the Beninese and recovers the jersey of Combativité and that of the best young person. The scarf for best team member goes to another Beninese Rémi Sowou.
This Thursday 4 May, there is the stage that will start from Abomey for Comè (140,520Km). “We are going to show the region of Possotomè, Lalo, the region of Sahouè which is a magnificent region, Lake Aheme. It's gonna be beautiful. Our role is not only cycling. It is also to be able to bring more to our country by showing how it is done in the Tour de France, the patrimony, the country…We have something to show the sport and show both cycling at every stage”, said Romuald Hazoumè, General Manager of the Tour and President of the Beninese Cycling Federation.
Damien TOLOMISSI