BOBO-DIOULASSO – Burkinabè cyclist Paul Daumont emerged victorious in the 8th stage of the Tour du Faso, claiming a sprint finish in Bobo-Dioulasso, the city where he grew up, ahead of Ivorian Abou Sanogo and Belgian Wouters Rutger on Friday.
According to Burkina Information Agency, the race on Friday was characterized by aggressive tactics from the onset. Paul Daumont, accompanied by his team, meticulously monitored the leading group, which saw Moroccan cyclist Achraf Ed-Doghmy spearheading a 3-rider breakaway, securing the first sprint point during the 5th lap at kilometer 51.
In a crucial moment on the 6th lap, Belgian contender Wouters Rutger attempted to escape the peloton to put distance between himself and Daumont. The local favorite responded adeptly, clinging to Rutger’s wheel and neutralizing the breakaway, which had a 22-second lead at the commencement of the stage. Meanwhile, Cameroon’s Nounawé Rodrigue Kuere put in a commendable effort to defend his pink jersey, aggressively taking the second intermediate sprint on the 8th lap to consolidate his position.
Daumont’s fellow Burkinabè riders played a pivotal role in positioning him for the final sprint. Launching into a powerful sprint from nearly 100 meters out, Daumont completed the 102-kilometer course with a winning time of 2 hours, 23 minutes, and 59 seconds, at an average speed of 42.504 kilometers per hour.
Expressing his joy at the finish line, Daumont acknowledged the significance of winning the stage in his birth city, stating his pride in achieving this milestone in front of his local supporters.
With this victory, Daumont extends his lead by 28 seconds over his nearest rival, Wouter Ruger, and sets the stage for what could be a triumphant conclusion in Ouagadougou at the end of the 10-stage competition. The race will proceed on Saturday, November 4, with a 126.7-kilometer journey from Bobo-Dioulasso to Pa.
The 2023 edition of the Tour du Faso, which will conclude on November 5, covers a total distance of 1187.6 kilometers across 10 stages and traverses 7 of the 13 regions in Burkina Faso. Daniel Bichlmann from Germany currently wears the coveted yellow jersey, a title he secured in 2021.