The 4th stage of the 37th edition of the Tour du Faso took place on November 2, 2026, with 73 cyclists competing over a distance of 116.10 km in Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso. Dutch cyclist Jonathan Kerkhofs emerged victorious, completing the stage in 2 hours, 31 minutes, and 13 seconds, with an average speed of 44.028 km/h. This victory marked the 44th passage of the Tour du Faso in Bobo-Dioulasso since its inception.
The stage began with a setback for the yellow jersey holder, Dutch cyclist Tom Wijfje, who was forced to withdraw due to an injury sustained in a crash the previous day. This development allowed South African Gustav Basson to take over the yellow jersey, while Burkinabè cyclist Paul Daumont moved into second place, 34 seconds behind. However, the high pace of the race hindered the Burkinabè team's strategy, and their hopes of gaining an advantage.
As the stage progressed, the gap between the peloton and the leaders remained significant, with the margin increasing to 1 minute and 51 seconds by the sixth lap. Despite efforts from the Burkinabè team, including accelerations and attacks, they were unable to close the gap. The Moroccan team led the peloton at one point, closely followed by the Burkinabè team, thanks to Saturnin Yaméogo's efforts.
In the final stages of the race, Paul Daumont attempted a long sprint to make up for his deficit but ultimately finished 19th in the stage. Jonathan Kerkhofs' victory was a consolation for the Dutch team, which had lost its yellow jersey holder to injury. Kerkhofs dedicated his win to his injured teammate.
The Director Technical of the Burkinabè Cycling Federation, Martin Sawadogo, remained optimistic about the team's chances of winning the overall title. He acknowledged that the team had missed opportunities to attack but emphasized that the gaps were not insurmountable and that they would look for other chances to make up ground.
The Burkinabè team has had success in Bobo-Dioulasso, with 17 stage wins since the Tour du Faso's inception. Currently, Soumaïla Ilboudo is the top-ranked Burkinabè cyclist, 41 seconds behind the yellow jersey, while Paul Daumont trails by 1 minute and 5 seconds.
The Tour du Faso 2026 continues, and the Burkinabè team will look to capitalize on future opportunities to regain ground and challenge for the overall title. For now, Dutch cyclist Jonathan Kerkhofs' victory in the 4th stage will be remembered as a notable moment in the competition.
Key points
- Dutch cyclist Jonathan Kerkhofs won the 4th stage of the Tour du Faso 2026 in Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso.
- The Burkinabè team's chances of winning the overall title remain, according to Director Technical Martin Sawadogo.
- Soumaïla Ilboudo is the top-ranked Burkinabè cyclist, 41 seconds behind the yellow jersey.
