Press releasesIssy-les-Moulineaux, 22nd of October 2007 2007 TOUR DU FASO: WITHOUT SENEGAL AND EGYPT
A few days before the start of the 21st edition of the Tour du Faso that will be held in Sapone on Friday the 26th of October, the organisers have registered the withdrawals of the Senegal and Egypt teams. While the pack will have to do without the attacking skills of the “Lions” and the strength of the “Pharaohs” who had clinched a stage in Bobo-Dioulasso for their first appearance in 2006, the number of teams and riders expected remains unchanged. Benin, Mali and Togo, initially requested to join together as one formation are now invited to start with three separate teams of six riders. A balance is therefore maintained between the nine African teams and the six Europeans that will battle it out for the yellow jersey during the ten days of the event. Despite the fact that title-holder David Verdonck stopped his career after his 2006 victory, the Belgians still led by Herman Beysens, will again be among the favourites. The Burkina pride seriously hit after last years disastrous edition (not the slightest stage win, best rider only 7th overall…) will certainly push the locals to try and shine and show a conquering attitude thanks to their usual leaders Abdul Wahab Sawadogo, Jérémie Ouédraogo and Saïdou Rouamba. The Moroccans who traditionaly link up behind their top man Abdelati Saadoune, winner of the 2002 Tour, will again be part of the fight. Not to be forgotten, the riders from Cameroon and Ivory Coast will do their best to upset the main field. The stages: The 15 teams selected: » Download press release (pdf) Issy-les-Moulineaux, 3rd of October 2007 2007 TOUR DU FASO: 10 DAYS OF RACING, 15 TEAMS
The 21st edition of the Tour du Faso due to start on the 26th of October will this year witness a slightly différent format. To lighten the program of an extremely demanding race, the organisers have chosen to reduce the event length to ten stages without the usual rest day. The idea of a star shaped course around Ouagadougou will be applied with various novelties this year. Added to the known stages like the circuit stage in Bobo-Dioulasso or the finish after over 25 kilometres of dirt track in Koudougou, there will be a first visit of the city of Leo that was made accessible thanks to a brand new road. For the biggest event of African cycling, 15 teams have been invited and the battle between the nine African squads and the six european teams will be of the highest interest. The riders from Burkina Faso who had enjoyed victory again thanks to Abdul Wahab Sawadogo and Jérémie Ouédraogo in 2004 and 2005, couldn’t do much against the dominant Belgians, winners of their first Tour du Faso after ten appearances thanks to David Verdonck last year. The Moroccans, Egyptians and men from Ivory Coast who also impressed in 2006 will also be part of the upcoming race with high expectations. The stages: The 15 teams selected: » Download press release (pdf) |
