Dubious pasts

From the internet a story of the beginnings of the Tour du Faso

A Russian cycling lesson

But in 1987, the shock of the meeting was severe for national pride. Against a team of young riders neglected by the Soviet delegation heading to the World Junior champion­ships, the disappointment was huge and close to humiliation. Troubled by the succession of Russian victories, the host riders were even forced to use not very advisable means to boost national morale. During the final stage, Sayouba Zongo was hid­den in a truck to overtake and distance the pack before eventually winning on the line. This story just showed how important this new competition was for the people of Burkina, without however jeopard­izing the future of the event. After all, the first editions of the Tour de France also had some rid­ers who enjoyed trains, while the first winner of the Olympic marathon, Spiridon Louis, seemed to have covered a part of the 42 km on a cart!

The immediate next year, the Burkina riders made the best to bring glory and honour back to their na­tion. This time the pack was only bunched by Af­rican riders and indeed it was that continental su­premacy that was at first their main concern. Be­hind Mady Kaboré, a suc­cessor to Igor Luchenko for overall victory, the locals captured every single stage win and proved they were the strongest, especially against the Nigerians.