The dates of the 18th edition of the International Cycling Tour of Benin have finally been unveiled by the organizers. Scheduled for May 2-7, 2023, the competition will welcome cyclists from fourteen countries including European and African nations.
The countries announced are France, Guam, Burkina Faso, Ivory Coast, Mauritius, Mauritania, Nigeria, Algeria, South Africa, Morocco, Togo, Netherlands and Benin, the host.
In total, 75 riders from these countries will try to succeed the German Marcel Peschges, winner of the previous edition of the “Tour Cycliste International du Benin”.
According to the organisers, this year will be run over a total distance of 748 km. The tour of Benin will cover the cities of Parakou, Djougou, Savè, Abomey, Comé, Kétou, Ouidah, Porto-Novo, Sèhouè before the scheduled end in Cotonou.
Full program of the competition:
Stage 1: May 2, 2023 / Parakou – Djougou, 132.53 Km / Departure 8:00 a.m., Arrival 11:30 a.m.
Stage 2: May 3, 2023 / Parakou – Savè, 156.42 Km / Departure 8:00 a.m., Arrival 12:00 p.m.
Stage 3: May 4, 2023 / Abomey – Comé, 140.52 Km / Departure 8:00 a.m., Arrival 11:30 a.m.
Stage 4: May 5, 2023 / Kétou – Porto-Novo, 109.45 Km / Departure 8:00 a.m., Arrival 12:00 p.m.
Stage 5: May 6, 2023 / Sèhouè – Cotonou, 135 Km / Departure 8:00 a.m., Arrival 12:00 p.m.
Cotonou Grand Prix: May 7, 2023 / Closed circuit Route des Pêches – Cotonou, 104.4 Km / Departure 2 p.m., Arrival 5.30 p.m.