The 2025 Tour du Benin was a resounding success, and news continues to spread about the race and the work being led by the President of the Benin Cycling Federation to grow the sport. The Tour du Benin grows in notoriety and level each year, and the international media continues to take note, with France’s RFI radio was on the ground reporting live via their journalist Olivier Pron.
Team Africa Rising’s comms lead Jeremy Ford was on the ground this year and wrote a well-circulated piece for the BBC entitled: Benin’s Bid to Become a Cycling Power – CLICK HERE TO READ!
The piece highlighting the incredible work of Benin’s Cycling Federation (Romuald Hazoume), the rise of women’s cycling there, the work of Head Coach Adrien Niyonshuti, and the hopes for the new head of African Cycling – Yao Allen Kouame. This piece has been picked up by BBC Africa, BBC World Service, Suwedi News and many other news outlets.
Although our young men from Benin did not take a podium position this year, Coach Adrien was thrilled with their progress, especially with the young Team Baobab group led by Captain Ezer Mensah (second right in the image below). This team comprised young up-and-coming talent for whom the Tour du Benin was their first “international” race, with some of the best cyclists on the continent. Every rider from Benin completed the six-day stage race!
You can find our Live Blog from the race if you would like to review some of the key moments, and several stories around the growth of cycling in Benin on our #FromThePaddock LiveBlog, and all official results on ProCyclingStats as always! Thanks for your continued support in impacting the lives of young riders and the sport’s support staff.
Join us for the 18th Annual Good Dirt Ride Fundraiser on September 20th!
That’s right, our fun-nest fundraiser of the year is back and better than ever! If you’re in the SoCal area (Rancho Santa Margarita) in the USA and want to ride some amazing trails in support of our work at Team Africa Rising, register HERE today!
This year, we’re focused on bringing more women to the event. Whether it’s Africa or Southern California, we recognize the unique challenges facing women in the sport. We have a dedicated women-only wave for the 25-mile event launching at 8:00 a.m. on event day. Check out the Good Dirt Ride’s most recent Newsletter HERE!
Of course, as always we are back with so many fun additions to the ride:
- 10, 15, 25, and 50 Mile Routes!
- Epic raffle prizes: $25 for 25 General Raffle, and 1 Grand Prize Raffle!
- Beer Garden sponsored by Coto Rotary Club!
- Vendor Expo!
REGISTER NOW AND GET INVOLVED!
BBC Africa Interviews Benin’s Georgette Vignonfodo
With the rise in international media coverage and attention for our major project in Benin, and several smaller initiatives in wider West Africa, we are seeing a lot of focus on how women are heading to cycling as a sport in which they can excel!
An incredible example of this is eighteen-year-old Benin cyclist Georgette Vignonfodo is already inspiring a legion of young women in her country to take up cycling:
“Every pedal stroke is one step closer to recognition, equality and inspiration to the younger generation.”
Alongside our donor’s generosity in helping Georgette and the women of Benin Cycling, they have the support of the Romauld Hazoume – Benin Federation President – who truly walks the walk on women’s equality, and partnering with Team Africa Rising, the future is female in Benin Cycling.
Romuald and Georgette were interviewed by Audrey Brown, the host of the BBC Focus on Africa podcast and you can listen to the interview (Georgette translated) and be inspired beginning at 27:10!
None of the work we do happens without your support. Every dollar matters to all the young African cyclists and support staff we work with throughout the continent.
Please consider donating HERE to help us continue our support of these athletes! Make an impact!
If you would like to be added to our Mailing List, you can sign up on our website HERE!
