Mali’s Diamouténé Wins Final Stage of Tour du Faso 2024 as Moroccan Mohcine Retains Yellow Jersey.

Ouagadougou: Malian sprinter Tiémoko Diamouténé emerged victorious in the 10th and final stage of the Tour du Faso 2024, covering the distance between Boussé and Ouagadougou (119.8km with criterium) in 2 hours, 49 minutes, and 2 seconds. However, the prestigious yellow leader's jersey remains with Moroccan El Kouraji Mohcine, who maintained his lead throughout the competition.According to Burkina Information Agency, Diamouténé achieved an average speed of 42.524 km/h and finished ahead of Dutchman Tom Wijfje and Burkinabe Daouda Congo. This victory marks a historic moment as Diamouténé becomes the first Malian to win a stage in the history of the Tour du Faso.At the start of the stage, breakaway attempts were thwarted, with Malian Yaya Diallo making a notable appearance since the first stage. The race took a decisive turn at the Tampouy Youth Roundabout when five riders, including Cameroonian Michel Boris Tientcheu and Malian Tiémoko Diamouténé, opened a gap of 56 seconds from the peloton.Diamouténé sei zed his chance, winning the second intermediate sprint ahead of Burkinabe Wahabou Bouda and Cameroonian Michel Boris Tientcheu. The leading group managed to extend their lead to 2 minutes and 46 seconds, while the Moroccan group, focused on maintaining the yellow jersey, opted not to react to the breakaway.The final hot spot saw Dutchman Tom Wijfje take the lead, followed by Burkinabe Harouna Ilboudo and Soumaila Ilboudo. Ultimately, Diamouténé sprinted to victory, leaving Tom Wijfje in second place.The yellow jersey remained with El Kouraji Mohcine, who completed the 1188.93 km race in 27 hours, 28 minutes, and 21 seconds. He succeeded Burkinabe Paul Daumont, last year's winner. The competition featured ten stages, running from October 25 to November 3.Russian Anton Popov claimed the green points jersey, while the intermediate sprints jersey was awarded to Russian Stash Mamyr. Minister in charge of sports, Roland Somda, emphasized the unity and sportsmanship displayed throughout the event, noting the p articipation of various countries as a testament to the unifying nature of cycling.President of Faso, Captain Ibrahim Traoré, observed the final stage and presided over the jersey presentation ceremony.