The 10th and final stage of the 32nd Tour du Faso concluded this Sunday with a 100.6 km ride from Kombissiri to Ouagadougou, bringing an exciting end to the prestigious West African cycling race. As in the previous stage, Burkinabé rider Bachirou Nikiéma crossed the finish line first, completing the course in 2 hours, 5 minutes, and 18 seconds. He was closely followed by Dutch cyclist Peter Merx in second place and Ivorian Abou Sanogo in third, delivering a strong international presence on the podium alongside the local hero.
Manuel Antonio Dario of Angola confirmed his dominance in the overall standings, retaining the yellow jersey and claiming victory in the 2019 Tour du Faso. His teammate, Bruno Araujo, finished in second place overall, while Swiss rider Jonas Döring completed the podium in third. Dario’s consistency throughout the ten stages, coupled with strong performances in key moments, secured his triumph and highlighted his endurance and tactical acumen over the demanding course.
In addition to the general classification, other riders were recognized for their achievements in specific competitions. Bachirou Nikiéma secured the green jersey for points, maintaining his remarkable form across multiple stages. Meanwhile, Souleymane Koné, another talented Burkinabé rider, claimed the intermediate sprints jersey, demonstrating his speed and strategic positioning in the sprints along the route. These individual accolades underscored the depth of local talent and the competitive spirit of the race.
The final stage attracted significant attention, not only from cycling fans but also from national figures, as Burkinabé President Roch Marc Christian Kaboré attended the finish in Ouagadougou. His presence highlighted the importance of the Tour du Faso as a national sporting event and its role in promoting cycling within Burkina Faso and across the region. The president’s attendance also reflected the pride in local athletes who continue to excel in both domestic and international competitions.
The 2019 edition of the Tour du Faso showcased intense competition, international participation, and impressive performances across all stages. From grueling climbs to fast sprints, riders faced diverse challenges that tested their endurance, strategy, and teamwork. Manuel Antonio Dario’s overall victory, supported by strong showings from his teammates, epitomized the high level of competition and the importance of consistent performance over the course of the ten-day event.
Bachirou Nikiéma’s repeated stage wins, along with Souleymane Koné’s success in the intermediate sprints, reinforced the strength of Burkinabé riders and their ability to compete with international cyclists. The 2019 Tour du Faso thus concluded not only as a test of individual and team excellence but also as a celebration of cycling in West Africa, uniting local communities, international athletes, and supporters in a vibrant sporting festival.
