Algerian cyclist Yacine Hamza secured his third stage win in the 37th Tour du Faso, emerging first at the finish line of the sixth stage on November 4. The stage, which covered a distance of 140.49 km from Saponé to Léo, saw Hamza complete the course in 3 hours, 9 minutes, and 56 seconds. He outsprinted Dutch rider Cas Hermans and fellow Algerian Mohamed Nadib Assal to claim the top spot.
The sixth stage began with 70 riders, three fewer than the previous day, and remained relatively calm until the first significant point of the day at Rakaye, approximately 34.22 km into the stage. Malian rider Tiémoko Diamouténé won the sprint intermediate, followed by Morocco's Marouan Kharbouchi and Cameroon's Wogué Ivan Njonkoué. The peloton maintained its composure until around the 48 km mark, when Burkinabè riders Paul Daumont and Barthélémy Yaméogo, along with Dutch rider Jannes Van Weele, broke away.
The trio managed to create a gap of up to 2 minutes and 30 seconds with the peloton as they entered Sapouy. They shared the bonuses from the second sprint intermediate at km 72.51, with Paul Daumont taking the top spot, followed by Jannes Van Weele and Barthélémy Yaméogo. However, their effort was eventually undone as the peloton, led by the yellow jersey group, closed the gap.
As the riders approached the final 35 km, the chase group gained momentum, and the breakaway riders were gradually reeled in. Jannes Van Weele suffered a puncture, and Paul Daumont's solo attempt to hold off the peloton was unsuccessful, as he was caught just 5 km from the finish line. The stage ultimately culminated in a sprint finish, with Hamza securing the win.
Hamza's victory marked his third stage win in the 37th Tour du Faso. The first Burkinabè to finish the stage was Saturnin Yaméogo, who crossed the line in 10th place. The general classification remained unchanged, with South African Gustav Basson retaining the yellow jersey, 41 seconds ahead of Burkinabè Soumaïla Ilboudo.
The rankings for the points and young rider classifications also remained unchanged, with Moroccan Youssef Bdadou holding the points jersey and Burkinabè Soumaïla Ilboudo maintaining the best young rider jersey. Yacine Hamza's stage win earned him the green jersey for the mountains classification. The seventh stage, scheduled for the following day, would cover a distance of 144.02 km from Ouagadougou to Pô.
The 37th Tour du Faso continues to unfold, with riders competing fiercely for top honors. Yacine Hamza's third stage win showcases his impressive form, while Gustav Basson and Soumaïla Ilboudo maintain their leads in the general and young rider classifications, respectively. The competition is expected to intensify as the tour progresses.
Key points
- Yacine Hamza wins third stage in 37th Tour du Faso.
- Gustav Basson retains yellow jersey.
- Seventh stage to cover 144.02 km from Ouagadougou to Pô.
