Tour du Faso 2025 Kicks Off Amid Excitement and Tight Security

The 36th edition of the Tour du Faso, West Africa’s most prestigious cycling race, began on Thursday in Burkina Faso, bringing together cyclists from across the continent and beyond. The event, which runs from October 24 to November 2, 2025, will see riders cover a distance of 1,155 kilometres across several country regions.

Twelve teams representing ten countries, including Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, Morocco, Togo, Benin, Côte d’Ivoire, Cameroon, Ghana and Belgium, are competing in this year’s race. The Tour, known for its vibrant atmosphere and challenging terrain, is a highlight on Africa’s sporting calendar and a source of national pride for Burkina Faso.

Organisers say preparations have been thorough, particularly regarding safety.

We have a security commission actively working to ensure the race takes place safely, said Soumaila Traoré, the Permanent Secretary of the Tour du Faso.

His comments come amid ongoing regional instability, which has made logistics and travel more complex in recent years.

Beyond the competition, the 2025 edition aims to showcase Burkina Faso’s cultural and historical heritage, with several stages highlighting local landmarks and communities. Crowds gathered early in the capital, Ouagadougou, to cheer on riders as they began their journey across the country.

As the race unfolds over the coming days, cycling fans across Africa will watch closely to see who claims the yellow jersey in what promises to be another thrilling edition of the Tour du Faso.

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