The countdown is underway for the 22nd edition of the International Cycling Tour of Cameroon. Scheduled from June 2 to June 14, 2026, the race is once again expected to rank among Africa’s premier road cycling events.
With just days to go before the opening stage, local and international teams are finalizing preparations, while the city of Maroua in Cameroon’s Far North Region prepares to host the official launch of the competition.
Cameroon will be represented by 12 riders from the national team and SNH Vélo Club, one of the country’s most experienced cycling teams. According to the Cameroon Cycling Federation (Fecacyclisme), the riders have already arrived in Maroua to continue acclimating to the region’s demanding weather conditions.
The national team reached the city earlier this week, while SNH Vélo Club is expected to arrive in the coming days.
Preparing for a Demanding Opening Stage
The early arrival is intended to help riders adapt to the heat and the specific challenges of the course before the opening stage on June 3. The first leg will run from Maroua to Mora and back to Maroua.
The stage is expected to set the tone for a race known for its intensity, long distances, and challenging terrain. Each year, the event tests riders' endurance, particularly in northern Cameroon, where high temperatures can have a significant impact on performance.
Meanwhile, foreign delegations are beginning to arrive in the country. The Democratic Republic of Congo's team is expected in Yaoundé on May 29 before traveling to the race venue. The event's technical team is also taking shape. Italian international commissaire Sandro Coccioni, who will chair the race jury, is expected to arrive in Yaoundé on Sunday.
His role will include overseeing the technical and regulatory aspects of the competition, which is part of the International Cycling Union (UCI) calendar.
A Showcase for Cameroon
According to the federation, other African and European teams, along with invited delegations, are expected to arrive in Douala and Yaoundé between May 31 and June 1.
After completing organizational and registration procedures, they will travel to Maroua for the official team presentation ceremony on June 2 and the start of the race the following day. Over the years, the International Cycling Tour of Cameroon has become one of the country's leading sporting events and a key fixture on the African cycling calendar. The race regularly attracts teams from several continents and contributes to Cameroon’s international visibility through sport.
The event also serves as a platform for tourism and economic promotion. Its various stages showcase local landscapes, infrastructure, and development potential while generating business for hotels, restaurants, and service providers along the route. In the 2025 edition, Algerian rider Islam Mansouri claimed the overall title after a strong performance throughout the race.
Among Cameroonian riders, the best result came from Clovis Kamzong Abessolo. The captain of SNH Vélo Club finished fifth overall, making him the highest-ranked local rider in last year's competition.
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