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Towards a
new popular success
Born in 1987 from the willpower of the political and administrative
authorities, the Tour du Faso is now one of the great international
events organised by Burkina Faso. The emotion sustained every
year by this race has convinced the inhabitants of Burkina Faso
of the essential role played by this competition in the fulfilment
of the young people in Burkina Faso and in Africa. A springboard
to a real and true integration via sport, the Tour du Faso benefits
from the support of the UEMOA and CEDEAO. Do we not say that
youth is the spearhead of a nation? Moreover, the real and lasting
integration of our populations truly passes by the intermixing
of our young people.
This competition has grown : the requirements of its perfect
organisation have led the authorities of Burkina Faso to negotiate
a partnership with the Société du Tour de France,
in order to benefit from its several decades of experience.
The fifteenth edition organised, magnificently, in 2001 in collaboration
with the Société du Tour de France proves that
the authorities made the right choice. This partnership will
be continued and improved for the greater good of the competitors.
Today, the Tour du Faso is classified in the 2.5 category of
competitions by the UCI, which makes it an intermediary level
competition. This classification allows those who take part
to be favoured with UCI points in order to improve their record
of achievements, which explains the athletes' enthusiasm to
participate.
Media coverage of this important event by the national and international
press contributes indisputably to making Burkina Faso known
on an international level. The partnership with the Société
du Tour de France has already allowed cyclists from Burkina
Faso to benefit from advanced training courses in France. The
subsidy granted to the Burkina Faso Cycling Federation within
the framework of this partnership has allowed for the regular
organisation of cycling competitions on a national level. The
professionalism of this sixteenth edition, which will take place
from the 30th of October to the 10th of November 2002, will
be reinforced via its organisation with the backing of the Minister
of Sports and Leisure. The future of the Tour du Faso will depend
upon the enthusiasm of all involved, in order to make this competition
a target of reinforced co-operation. The visit of Burkina Faso
cyclists to France, Michel Bationo's participation in the Tour
de France and the Grand Prix de Luxembourg are the fruits of
this co-operation for a long lasting partnership with the Société
du Tour de France.
The Tour du Faso will again attract large numbers of participants
for this 2002 edition. It is important that all participants
take their role to heart, to ensure the success of this competition.
Athletes, in a world of cycling made difficult by the problems
linked to doping, your loyal and fair-play behaviour will make
you great champions. Officials, your impartiality in applying
the rules will reflect your greatness of spirit. Journalists,
none can ignore the importance of your role in the treatment
of information concerning the promotion of the Tour du Faso.
A large part of the event's success depends upon your availability.
Organisers, you are also the mainspring of the event's success;
in consequence I invite you to fully assume the different tasks
entrusted to you. Populations of the local towns crossed, people
of Burkina Faso, the Tour du Faso is yours, I invite you to
warmly welcome our courageous riders who will, I am certain,
provide you with a show that will live up to your expectations.
Long Live the International Cycling Tour du
Faso !
The Ministry of Sport and Leisure
Toudoun Sessouma
Knight of the National Order |
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| Key-figures |
| The tour du Faso |
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• Dates : Oct. 30 - Nov. 10 2001
• 11 stages
• 1 rest day
• 1 305,5 km
• 6 riders per team
• Prize Money : 20,5 million CFA francs
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| Rules |
| Teams of 6 riders |
Each team is composed of 6 riders..
>>
rules in french |
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| The Burkina Faso is situated at 4060
km and 6 hours flight from Paris. |
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| Neighbouring
countries |
| Mali to the North and to the West,
Niger to the North East and to the East, Bénin
to the South-East, Togo and Ghana to the South, Ivory
Coast to the South West. |
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| Capital |
| Ouagadougou, pop. 941 890 inhabitants |
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| Other important
towns |
| Bobo-Dioulasso (large economic center-
231 162 inhabitants), Koudougou, Ouahigouya, Fada N'Gourma,
Dori |
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| inhabitants |
| Burkinabè |
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| President |
| Blaise Compaoré |
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| Distances |
Distance North- South : 625 km
Distance East-West : 850 km |
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| Surface
area |
| 274 200 km2 |
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| Population |
| 10 312 609 inhabitants, 38 inhabitants
/km2 |
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| Highest
Point |
| Mont Téna Kourou, to the West,
near the Mali frontier (749 m) |
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| Money |
| franc CFA. |
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| Official
Languages |
| French. Sudanese languages like Morée
(mossi) and dioula, are spoken by most of the population. |
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| Level of
Literacy |
| 39 % |
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| Life Expectancy |
| 47 years old |
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| Anthem |
| Ditanyé |
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