Ouagadougou: AS BESSEL rider Boureima Nana secured a remarkable victory at the first edition of the Burkina Info television cycling race held on Boulevard Isidore No«l Thomas Sankara, as reported by AIB. The race marked the 10th anniversary of Burkina Info, with Nana demonstrating strategic prowess and sheer determination.
According to Burkina Information Agency, Boureima Nana completed the 132.600km course in 3 hours, 6 minutes, and 34 seconds, maintaining an average speed of 41.041 km/h. In the final moments, Nana surpassed his closest competitor, Robert Bamouni of AJCK, by 200 meters, effectively sealing his win with a strong finish. His success was attributed to his inclusion in a group of five breakaways that dominated the race, which led to a 21-second lead over the main peloton.
As the race neared its conclusion with five laps remaining, three cyclists, including Nana, broke away. Despite being outnumbered by AJCK riders, Nana's tactical approach allowed him to conserve energy and ultimately launch a decisive attack in the last 500 meters, leaving Bamouni unable to respond. Nana's victory secured him the yellow jersey, a prize of 300,000 francs, a trophy, and a racing bike presented by His Majesty Mogho-Naba Baongho.
The event was sponsored by Gilbert Ou©draogo, Minister of Communication, Culture, Arts, and Tourism, who praised the initiative as a means of fostering social and internal cohesion. Isma«l Ou©draogo, Burkina Info's general director, emphasized the significance of the event in promoting unity through sports, while also expressing gratitude to the Burkinabe Cycling Federation for their support.
In addition to the men's race, a women's competition took place on the same circuit, albeit over a shorter distance of 30.600 km. Awa Bamogo of USFA emerged victorious, surpassing rival Lamoussa Zoungrana of AS BESSEL to claim the yellow jersey, a prize of 100,000 FCFA, and a racing bike.
The organizers are already looking forward to next year's edition, promising another exciting installment of the Burkina Info Grand Prix.