As the 37th edition of the Tour du Faso approaches, Martin Sawadogo is filled with confidence. The national technical director of the Burkina Faso Cycling Federation believes in the ability of the Étalons to retain the yellow jersey won by Paul Daumont in 2025. With meticulous preparation, a formidable international competition, and the desire to shine on home soil, the Burkinabé technician reviews the final adjustments ahead of the major event scheduled from October 30 to November 9, 2026.
For the technical team, the Tour du Faso is not prepared hastily. Efforts began well before the current gathering, with constant monitoring of cyclists during national and international competitions. The goal is to gradually build a team capable of meeting the challenges of a stage race where consistency and solidarity can make a difference.
“The preparation takes place in several stages. The Tour du Faso is a central objective in the Federation's program, supported by the Ministry of Sports and Leisure,” says Martin Sawadogo.
Competitions held in Burkina Faso have allowed the coaching staff to monitor the performances of cyclists and identify those with the skills required to represent the country. Additionally, there have been participations in international events, notably in Cameroon, Benin, and Mali. These competitions have provided Burkinabé cyclists the opportunity to compete against others and better prepare for the demands of the Tour.
Since September 21, 21 Burkinabé riders have been in training as part of this preparation. This gathering represents a crucial stage for physical work, technical adjustments, and team cohesion. The route between Ouagadougou, Boromo, and Bobo-Dioulasso has notably contributed to improving the athletes' physical condition.
For Martin Sawadogo, the key now is to present a team of riders ready to face the challenges of the competition. “The preparation is going very well. We are entering the final phase and preparing to be ready at the start,” he assures.
Beyond training, the coaching staff must also ensure the recovery of the riders and their mental well-being. In such a demanding event, the ability to sustain efforts, manage fatigue, and maintain concentration during the stages can significantly impact the final result. The latest evaluations should allow the technicians to refine their choices before the start of the competition.
This 37th edition promises to be particularly challenging. Ten stages are planned across eight regions of Burkina Faso, totaling a distance of 1,399.97 km. In addition to this distance, there are 988 km of transport, bringing the total mileage to 2,387.970 km. The estimated budget for the organization is 420 million FCFA.
Each team will consist of six riders. Burkina Faso will be represented by three teams, facing international competition including Belgium, Morocco, Ghana, Benin, Mali, Cameroon, the Netherlands, Algeria, and South Africa. This diversity of participants promises an intense competition, where strategies may vary from stage to stage.
Martin Sawadogo does not underestimate his opponents. He is aware that defending the title won in 2025 will require considerable effort and true collective cohesion. “We know that the competition will be fierce. Each team has its strengths and specifics,” he admits.
For the national technical director, the success of the Étalons will not rely solely on the individual skills of their riders. Positioning in the peloton, effort management, solidarity among teammates, and the ability to seize opportunities will be essential. Mechanical issues, falls, or physical weaknesses can also disrupt a team's plans in a race of this magnitude.
However, Burkina Faso can count on the support of its fans and the experience of Paul Daumont, winner of the Tour du Faso in 2023 and 2025, who will be present for this new edition. His presence is an asset for the Burkinabé team, which hopes to extend the success of the previous year.
Nevertheless, Martin Sawadogo prefers to keep his feet on the ground. While he has confidence in his riders' abilities, he is aware that the outcome will also depend on the course of the race and the collective reactions to various situations.
“We hope to retain the jersey. I know it will be a challenge, but I remain optimistic. Everything will depend on the configuration of the race and the collective performance of our riders,” he states.
The message from the national technical director is clear: Burkina Faso aims to defend its title without underestimating the competition. From October 30 to November 9, 2026, the Étalons must convert the efforts made over the past months into performances on the road. For Martin Sawadogo and his team, the ambition is strong, but it will be on the field that the possibility of keeping the yellow jersey at home will be determined.
