Benin is set to make history this September as its women\u2019s national cycling team will become the first African squad to compete in a major UCI-sanctioned race on U.S. soil, organisers of the Maryland Cycling Classic announced Thursday.<\/p>\n
Now in its third edition, the Maryland Cycling Classic<\/a> returns on September 6, 2025, as America\u2019s highest-ranked professional road race, and one of the last remaining UCI races on U.S. soil. For the first time, the event will include an elite women\u2019s race <\/a>alongside its established men\u2019s competition<\/a>.<\/p>\n Earlier this spring, top-tier teams including CANYON\/\/SRAM Zondacrypto, EF Education\u2013Oatly, and Team USA confirmed their participation<\/a> in the women\u2019s field. The addition of Benin\u2019s national team now sends a powerful message about the global expansion of women\u2019s cycling.<\/p>\n You may like<\/p>\n \u201cThe participation of the Benin Women\u2019s National Team holds a lot of significance on and off the bike,\u201d said Steve Brunner, the race\u2019s Executive Director. \u201cAs the talent pool continues to grow on the African continent, it\u2019s important to provide opportunities in world-class races like the Maryland Cycling Classic. Kimberly (Coats) and her team have put in a lot of great work with the Benin Cycling Federation to develop talent, especially identifying elite-level women. So, it\u2019s great to provide a platform for these women to perform and be recognised.\u201d<\/p>\n While Eritrea<\/a> has traditionally led African road cycling, Benin is hoping to emerge as a rising force. The country made its debut at the UCI Road World Championships in 2024 with 17-year-old Georgette Vignonfodo, who finished 110th in the Junior Women\u2019s race. That same week, Exodus Saizonou became the first male cyclist from Benin to compete at World Championships, finishing 65th in the men\u2019s Junior Individual Time Trial. And Hermionne Ahouissou, who competed in the elite women’s category, finishing 68th in the Women Elite Individual Time Trial but DNF’d in the road race.<\/p>\n \u201cAs president of the Benin Cycling Federation, I am happy to accept this invitation for our women\u2019s national team to race The Maryland Cycling Classic. This will be a moment of pride for our country, and excellent preparation ahead of the UCI World Championships in Rwanda just weeks later,\u201d said Romuald Hazoum\u00e8, president of the Benin Cycling Federation.<\/p>\n