Moroccan Cyclist Claims Victory in Benin International Tour
Moroccan cyclist Salah Eddine Marouani triumphed in the fourth stage of the 21st edition of the Benin International Tour, which took place Friday between Dasso and Porto-Novo, covering a total distance of 127.8 kilometers. This victory bolstered the Moroccan team’s lead in the overall standings, with Youssef Badadou maintaining third place in the individual rankings.
Strong Performance Secures Stage Win
According to a statement from the Royal Moroccan Cycling Federation, Marouani clinched the fourth stage with an impressive final sprint, completing the race in 2 hours, 54 minutes, and 25 seconds. He edged out Burkinabe cyclist Boda Wahbou and Eritrean Mulughita Yafit, who registered the same finishing time but ultimately fell short in the final push.
Morocco Dominates Team Standings
The Moroccan national team has reinforced its position, leading the team rankings with a total time of 40 hours, 54 minutes, and 36 seconds. They hold a 1-minute and 24-second advantage over Eritrea, now in second place, while Germany’s Bike team slipped to third, trailing by 2 minutes and 9 seconds. German team Hoka Factory and Belgian squad Close Ballanzo round out the top five, with Mauritius and Algeria in sixth and seventh places, respectively.
Individual Rankings Held Steady
In individual standings, Youssef Badadou remains third overall, just 32 seconds behind the yellow jersey holder, Latvia’s Kristians Bilehofskis from Bike Aid. Moroccan cyclist Mohsen Kourji is also performing strongly, holding the fifth position in the overall rankings.
Final Stage Ahead
The tour will conclude today with the fifth and final stage between Zokpoudom and Cotonou, covering 128.7 kilometers. Morocco, participating in the tour since its inclusion in the International Cycling Union’s calendar in 2022, boasts a talented roster featuring Marouani, Kourji, Badadou, Adil Alrabaoui, Al-Hussein Al-Sabbahi, and promising young cyclist Marwan Khabbouchi, under the guidance of national coach Mustafa Al-Amal.
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- Moroccan cyclist
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Moroccan cyclist Salah Eddine Marouani triumphs in the Benin International Tour, boosting his team’s lead as they head to the final stage.
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Salah Eddine Marouani continues to shine, winning the fourth stage of the Benin International Tour and solidifying Morocco’s lead!
