International Tour of Faso: Moroccan cyclists take the podium in the first stage

Arriving first, runner Mohcine El Kouraji completed this stage, run between Koulbila and Tenkodo (136km), in 3h02mn45sec, or an average speed of 44.814km/h, thus seizing the leader's yellow jersey. Second place went to Adil Arbaoui, while Driss Alouani came third far ahead of Burkinabe Bamassi Soulama, who finished in fourth position.

In addition to Mouhcine Kouraji, Adil Arbaoui and Driss Alouani, the Moroccan selection taking part in this competition also includes El Houçaine Sabbahi, Ibrahim Sabbahi and Mehdi Arbaoui, under the leadership of national executive Mouhssine Lahssaini, winner of the Tour Faso-2015.

Morocco, which won this international round in 2002, 2007, 2009, 2015 and 2017, is participating in this edition alongside Benin, Cameroon, Ghana, Mali, Niger, Senegal, Nigeria, as well as Belgian, Russian and Dutch teams and three local teams.

Participants in this 35th edition of the Tour of Burkina Faso will cover a total of 1193.8 km spread over 10 stages, the shortest of which is the 5th linking Bobo Dioulasso and Banfora over a distance of 85.5 km and the longest, the 9th stage between Kombissiri and Kaya (145.8 km).