The 20th edition of the Benin International Cycling Tour commenced on Monday, April 28, 2025, in Nikki, located in the Borgou department of northeastern Benin, and is scheduled to conclude on May 3rd in the southern city of Cotonou.
South African cyclist Reinardt Janse Van Rensburg, representing Team Tshenolo Pro Cycling, emerged victorious in the opening stage, claiming the coveted first yellow jersey of this year’s tour.
The inaugural stage of the Tour du Benin, a 101-kilometer race stretching between Nikki and Parakou, was completed on April 28th at an impressive average speed of 41.06 km/h. Van Rensburg crossed the finish line in 2 hours, 27 minutes, and 35 seconds. He was closely followed by Moroccan rider Kamal Mahroug from the Agadir Vélo Propulsion team, who finished 18 seconds behind in 2 hours, 27 minutes, and 53 seconds. Dutchman Wijfje Tom of the Univers Cycling Team secured third place, finishing 26 seconds after the winner in 2 hours, 28 minutes, and 1 second.
Van Rensburg, a seasoned 36-year-old sprinter with a professional career dating back to 2010 and previous experience with teams like Giant-Shimano and Team Qhubeka, expressed his satisfaction with the stage win but remained cautious about the races ahead. “It won’t be easy to control, the road is long,” he commented after his victory, acknowledging the challenges of maintaining the lead throughout the tour.
This year’s Tour du Benin features a diverse international field, with 83 riders from 13 countries competing across 14 teams. The participating nations include Benin, France, the Netherlands, the Philippines, Cameroon, Togo, Côte d’Ivoire, Mali, Burkina Faso, Nigeria, Ghana, Morocco, and South Africa, showcasing a wide range of cycling talent.
The total distance of the 20th Tour du Benin spans 731.82 kilometers, divided into six stages that traverse Benin from north to south. The route will take the cyclists through key locations such as Parakou, Dassa-Zoume, Bohicon, Come, Ouidah, and ultimately culminating in Cotonou. The 2025 edition also marks a significant expansion for the event with the introduction of para-cycling on May 4th, the inaugural Women’s Grand Prix on May 3rd, and the inclusion of the Grand Prix de la ville de Cotonou on the official calendar of the International Cycling Union (UCI), highlighting the growing prominence of cycling in Benin.
As the tour progresses, Tuesday, April 29th, will see the cyclists embark on the second stage, a longer 156-kilometer race from Parakou to Save. Reinardt Janse Van Rensburg will face a determined challenge from both African and international competitors as he strives to defend his hard-earned yellow jersey.
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