Cycling – Tour of Benin 2026: route, stages, participating countries

As the start of the 2026 Tour of Benin approaches, the atmosphere around the organization becomes electric. At a press conference this Thursday in Cotonou, Romuald Hazoumè presented the broad outlines of an edition that promises sporting intensity and tight resource management, in a financially fragile but well-managed context. In front of journalists, the president of the Benin Cycling Federation clarified the sporting philosophy of the project: (…) We mainly welcome continental teams coming from Europe or the United States, even if this remains little visible in the official documents. This positioning reflects a logic of competitiveness; the race is attracting more and more international bids.

In total, 14 teams are expected to start, mixing African selections and invited European outfits. They include Algeria, Germany, Benin, Belgium, Burkina Faso, Cape Verde, Ivory Coast, China, Eritrea, Nigeria, Mauritius, Morocco and Togo. The peloton, estimated at nearly 90 riders, promises a cosmopolitan and highly competitive edition. The route will extend over more than 730 kilometers (731.82 km). Departure on April 27 with a 4.8 km prologue in Cotonou, then five stages across eight departments: Borgou, Donga, Collines, Zou, Ouémé, Plateau, Atlantique and Littoral.

The first stage will take place on Tuesday, April 28, between Zagnanado and Savè over a distance of 126.04 kilometers, with a finish expected in front of La Légende maquis. The second stage planned for the following day will link N’Dali to Tchaourou via Bétérou over 155.72 kilometers, with a finish in front of the Tchaourou town hall. The third stage will take the peloton from Djougou to Bantè over 169.76 kilometers. The finish is scheduled in front of the sports field at Bantè’s school complex. The fourth stage will run from Dassa to Porto-Novo via Adjara over 127.80 kilometers with a finish in front of the former bar-restaurant Places 3.14. The fifth stage will connect Zogbodomey to Cotonou over 128.65 kilometers with a finish planned at the intersection located before Zongo. The competition will conclude on Sunday, May 3 with the City Grand Prix of Cotonou raced on a circuit of 108.80 kilometers

Beyond the men’s race, the event highlights inclusive initiatives. The Amazones Grand Prix (68 kilometers) promotes women’s cycling, while a Prix de l’inclusion (3.53 kilometers) gives visibility to athletes with disabilities. Benin confirms its sporting progress, having risen in six years from anonymity to the 8th African rank.