Mali’s Diarra Sidiki won the 2025 Tour Cycliste International du Togo on Saturday, capping a dominant performance by the Malian team during the event’s 30th edition.
After nine stages covering 1,300 kilometers, Sidiki claimed the yellow jersey as overall champion, finishing ahead of teammate Diamoutene Tiemoko. Burkina Faso’s Saturnin Yameogo completed the podium in third place.
The final stage, raced between Djagblé and the capital city of Lomé, was won by Burkina Faso’s Ilboudo Soumaïla. He edged out France’s Julien Amadori, who finished second, and Mali’s Diallo Djandouba, who came in third. Despite the thrilling sprint finish, the overall standings remained unchanged, with Mali maintaining its grip at the top.
“The start of the tour was very difficult for us. One of our key challenges was the injury to our captain. But I managed to secure the yellow jersey, and in the end, it was a happy result for our team,” Sidiki said after the race.
The Tour du Togo spanned nearly two weeks, taking riders across diverse terrain from the mountains of Kozah to the valleys of Est-Mono. Thousands of spectators lined the roads from Kabou to Lomé, cheering the riders and adding to the race’s festive atmosphere.
UCI commissioner and race jury president Kevin Tanoé praised Sidiki’s performance and the strength of the Malian squad. “He’s a worthy champion. There’s a lot of talent in that team — when one rider falters, another steps up. It’s a good sign for the future of African cycling,” Tanoé said.
This year’s edition also stood out for its international spirit. Cyclists from France, Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Benin, Mali, and Togo took part, showcasing the growing appeal of the event. Among them was French rider Julien Amadori, who returned a decade after his first appearance in the race.
“With nine stages, we started in the north and gradually made our way down to Lomé. I discovered incredible landscapes and enjoyed the mix of flat and mountain routes. It gave every type of rider a chance to shine,” Amadori said.
Organizers hailed the 2025 edition as a turning point, highlighting improvements in race logistics, security, and international visibility. The Togolese Cycling Federation called it a major step forward in solidifying the Tour du Togo as a premier event on the African cycling calendar.
As the 30th edition wrapped up, officials and athletes alike looked ahead with optimism. The message was clear: West African cycling is on the rise — and gaining speed.