This year, as part of its ongoing desire to enhance the sporting interest of the race, the organisers of the Tour of Faso have created two novelties designed to make this 18^th version of the race even more interesting: an incursion into Mali, a friendly neighbouring country, and a stage (a 10 kilometres circuit to be covered 12 times) raced uniquely on the roads of Bobo Dioulasso a town where the public always shows tremendous enthusiasm. The Tour is widening its horizons and innovating, a proof of its vitality.