The 16th edition of the International Cycling Tour of Benin, corresponding to the professionalization of cycling, has just delivered the verdict of the second stage run from Toucountouna to Djougou, this Tuesday 18 May, a journey of 100 km. As in the first step, Burkinabè Paul Daumont is the winner (2h39min32s) while keeping the yellow jersey.
Very proud of this second success, he didn't hesitate to admit that it was difficult. "I think it was more difficult than yesterday because I paid a little for my efforts the day before. I felt it because my legs were a bit heavy. But luckily I had a great team around me to supervise me well despite the Beninese runners' attempt to reverse the race in the last kilometers ", he said before dedicating this victory to his entire team and to the entire technical team of Burkina Faso. “I'm very happy to keep the jersey on this second stage. It's a special and special feeling "
To believe it, one of the strategies of the Burkina-Faso team, is to advance slowly with caution. "Because you shouldn't project yourself too quickly either.. You have to take things as they come. The goal is to work every day to keep the yellow jersey. It is up to us to fight every day to deserve this unique jersey ”, he confided.
If the second of this second stage is Ivorian, Sanogou Abou, the third place is snatched by the Beninese number one, Idrissou Bachiki (2h39min34s) to the delight of the population of Djougou.
The third stage of this tour is scheduled for tomorrow Wednesday 19 May. This is a criterium in Parakou 105 km; 30 Tours (Transhipment after stage: Parakou – Bohicon 290 Km).
Damien TOLOMISSI