The Momentum is Real: Tour du Benin 2026
The 2026 Tour du Benin wrapped up this week and I honestly left feeling incredibly hopeful about the future of cycling in West Africa.
Over the years, we have talked often about development – not just finding talent, but building the infrastructure: Coaches. Mentors. Mechanics. Leaders. Sustainable structures that continue growing long after a single race or result. This year in Benin felt like a real example of that vision coming to life.
One of the moments I was most proud of was watching 21-year-old Benin Cycling Federation coach Salami Avocetien make his debut as Directeur Sportif of the National Team and his rebound from “a bit of malaria” (listen to the podcast for more on this). Many of you know Salami from our recent podcast previewing the Tour du Benin and from his work developing young athletes across the region.
What makes this moment special is that his story reflects exactly why Africa Rising Cycling invests so heavily in grassroots development and long-term relationships. Salami has grown from cyclist to coach and now to leading his national team at one of the biggest races in West Africa.
That matters.
African cycling does not move forward only through talented riders. It moves forward when African coaches, managers, mechanics, and leaders are empowered to lead the sport themselves. Watching Salami guide the Benin team throughout the race was one of those moments where you realize the progress is no longer theoretical. It is happening in real time.
Listen to our new podcast with Coach Salami Avocetien:
Every year we become more convinced that African cycling’s future will not simply be built by exporting athletes abroad. It will be built by strengthening the foundations here at home — empowering local leaders, creating opportunities for young riders, and building systems that last for generations.
That’s why your support matters so much. Thank you for continuing to believe in this work and helping us push African cycling forward. Check out our Instagram and other socials (links in our footer below) for some GREAT photos from the race, and a shout out to our good friend Yanick Folly (race photographer) who also has some stunning content on his Instagram page as well.
Ned Boulting Reports Live from the Tour du Benin!
Another highlight from this year’s Tour du Benin was welcoming renowned cycling journalist and broadcaster Ned Boulting to experience the race firsthand.
For years, many of us inside African cycling have known the passion, energy, and potential here. Now the broader cycling world is beginning to see it too. Having commentated on over 20 editions of the Tour de France for the UK’s ITV Cycling channel, the author of the legendary The Road Book (cycling’s most comprehensive almanac) and the co-founder of the famous Never Strays Far podcast, he knows a thing or two about cycling…
Ned’s time in Benin captured more than just the racing. He experienced the crowds lining the roads, the pride of the local communities, the ambition of the riders, and the unique atmosphere that makes African cycling so special. Having respected international voices spend time on the ground in places like Benin helps shift the narrative around African cycling from “emerging” to undeniably important.
Ned has since published two podcasts from the race (link below to the first) and a substantial Substack article as well. We hope you enjoy his brilliant writing about West Africa’s #1 UCI cycling race!
To donate to help us continue our vital work in Benin and elsewhere across the continent, please do consider making a single, or recurring, pledge – you can do so HERE on our website.
Many thanks,
Kimberly Coats
