We mentioned a few weeks back that we had some BIG, BIG news… and today we deliver!

And there couldn’t be a better day than June 19th – ‘Juneteenth’ – to make this announcement. Today, we commemorate the ending of slavery in America and the beginning of a long struggle for freedom and equality amongst formerly enslaved people and their descendants.

It’s a powerful reminder of our shared history and the strides we’ve made towards equality. In 1860, the last slave ship to leave West Africa for America departed from Ouidah, Benin.

Maryland and Benin share a growing cultural partnership, and inviting and welcoming the women of Team Benin to the Maryland Cycling Classic is a testament to the growth of cycling in Benin.

Yes, the Les Amazones will be making history as the first African women’s team to race in America, at the debut women’s UCI 1.1 Maryland Cycling Classicon September 6th. They are the only team from Africa, a fact that fills us with pride and excitement!

“The participation of the Benin Women’s National Team holds a lot of significance on and off the bike,” said Steve Brunner, the race’s Executive Director.

“As the talent pool continues to grow on the African continent, it’s important to provide opportunities in world-class races like the Maryland Cycling Classic. Kimberly (Coats) and her team have put in a lot of great work with the Benin Cycling Federation to develop talent, especially identifying elite-level women. So, it’s great to provide a platform for these women to perform and be recognized.”

With 15 teams expected, this will be a test of epic proportion for the young Benin women. Outside of the 2024 UCI World Championships in Zurich, this will be the biggest race any of them have participated in. The Maryland Cycling Classic will be the perfect event ahead of the 2025 UCI World Championships on the African continent later in September. You can read the full press release here.

We want to express our heartfelt gratitude for your unwavering support. Your contributions make it possible for these young women to seize these life-changing opportunities.

To donate to our African Women’s Cycling programme to help these ladies prepare, CLICK HERE