TENKODOGO — Tenkodogo cyclist Amado Réogo clinched victory in the Category B national cycling championship on Saturday, outpacing rivals on Boulevard Thomas Sankara in Ouagadougou. Réogo sprinted past Abdoul Yaméogo from Pouytenga and Tiguéri Consembo of Ziniaré to secure first place in a tightly contested race.

According to Burkina Information Agency, Réogo displayed a well-timed strategic prowess. The Boulgou province native maintained a position within the main group of riders, only breaking away in the final 200 meters to demonstrate his sprinting capability. His decisive move in the last 50 meters allowed him to surpass his competitors, Yaméogo and Consembo. Réogo completed the 102 km race in 2 hours, 49 minutes, and 5 seconds, marking an average speed of 36.195 km/h.

The championship featured 44 cyclists representing 25 clubs from various provinces. The competition unfolded over a 5,100 km criterium along Boulevard Thomas Sankara, covering a total distance of 102 km. Despite the race’s average pace being around 30 km/h, which was lower than anticipated, the intensity picked up notably in the final segments. According to the president of the Burkinabè Cycling Federation, the lower-than-expected speed was attributed to provincial cyclists lacking sufficient competitive experience. However, the pace escalated in the last two laps, with the peloton consolidating and accelerating towards the finish line.

The top five finishers in the race will be promoted to the elite category next season. Following this Category B championship, the focus will shift to the elite A championship scheduled for Sunday.

In a related event, Lamoussa Zoungrana of AS BESSEL triumphed in the women’s championship, also held this Saturday.