2026 International Cycling Tour of Cameroon: Rodrigue Nounawé Triumphs!

“Impossible n’est pas Camerounais.” This saying fits Rodrigue Eric Kuéré Nounawé of SNH Vélo Club, who finished as overall winner of the 22nd edition of the International Cycling Tour of Cameroon. The cyclist reclaimed the yellow jersey from Charrois Leo of Team Embrace the World of Germany at the end of the 10th and final lap on June 14, 2026, a Mbalmayo–Yaounde route plus a circuit totalling 115.7 km. He was presented with the jersey by the Minister of Sports and Physical Education, Narcisse Mouelle Kombi. Apart from the sports boss, several other dignitaries thronged Yaounde’s 20th May Boulevard to witness the close of the competition notably; the Minister of Public Service and Administrative Reforms, Joseph LE, who is the promoter of the Chantal Biya International Mountain Bike Race. On the sporting front, Nounawé did more than reclaim the yellow jersey: he also won the stage in a sprint in 2 hours 42 minutes 59 seconds. That was his second stage victory after winning the first lap in Maroua. His overall time on the general classification stood at 24 hours 36 minutes 55 seconds, 30 seconds ahead of Charrois Leo, who had been leading until then. Before the last lap, Nounawé trailed Charrois by 44 seconds, but through determination and resilience he closed that gap and returned to the top to take back the yellow jersey he had held for the first four laps. Nounawé had earlier ceded the leader’s jersey to Charrois Leo at the end of the fifth lap in Banganté. Since then, Charrois had been in charge until the decisive moment in Yaounde, when Nounawé, made the nation proud. Nounawé, aided by teammate Kossoko Sadikou Jeremie who joined him in the breakaway, showed excellent mastery of the circuit and kept a steady distance from Charrois throughout the seven-round, 10 km circuit in Yaounde. Each time Nounawé crossed the finish at the 20th May Boulevard, hopes rose: he was not only closing the gap on Leo, but eventually overtaking him. Charrois appeared to ...