By D. Kevin McNeir
Special to the AFRO
kmcneir@afro.com
The Maryland Cycling Classic returns on Saturday, Sept. 6, with the debut of men’s and women’s races on a course contained entirely within the City of Baltimore.
Baltimore Mayor Brandon M. Scott said he’s excited to welcome America’s premier professional cycling race back to the city on a newly designed 17.9-mile (28.8km) circuit course that will test the skills of the world class competitors.
“It’s a special opportunity for folks here in Charm City to see free, world class racing – and folks all around the world to see our beautiful city,” said Scott, in a statement. “I hope to see everybody out there cheering.”
The event’s race director, Jim Birrell, said while the old course was great, moving the race into the city was an easy decision.
“Baltimore is a city of great neighborhoods,” he said, “We wanted to highlight Baltimore’s famous and beautiful waterfront while telling the story of the city’s rich history, blending the old and new of one of America’s most diverse cities.”
Course highlights include African women’s team from Benin
Both races will start at the Harbor Point District’s Central Plaza and finish on East Pratt along Baltimore’s famous Inner Harbor, less than a mile apart – the women’s race beginning at 8:30 a.m. and the men’s race will kick off at 12:30 p.m.
While the event counts as the largest pro cycling race in the U.S., it will also mark an historic first in global sports and Black athletic representation. For the first time ever, an all-Black African women’s national team — the Benin National Team — will compete in a UCI-ranked race in North America.
Two members of the Benin women’s team spoke with the AFRO with the assistance of an interpreter as both speak French for the native language.
“Women in Benin actually have more opportunities than men in team sports and with the support of the Federation and the government, things are improving for us in a lot of different sports,” said Hermoinne Ahouissou, who added that while she feels the stress of competing in such a prestigious race, she’s up for the challenge.
As the team captain and a Benin National Champion, she has been riding for three years and sees herself as a trailblazer for the sport.
Raimatou Kpovihouede, another cyclist for Benin’s National Team, has been cycling for 3.5 years, said she’s proud to represent her country.
“I don’t have time to miss my home and family because the training is so intense and I am focused on my goal,” she said. “At this level of competition, you cannot lose sight of your objective – you have to concentrate and be vigilant.”
Both women have been training in Wyoming under the guidance of Kimberly Coats, CEO, Team Africa Rising.org.
She said while the training is tough, the women have responded admirably.
“Our goal is to have them finish the race although it’s doubtful that they will place high,” Coats said. “Most of the women in the race have been competing since their early teens, while the women from Benin only have three or four years under their belt. But it’s about raising awareness, providing experience and exposure, and helping them see what’s needed to advance to the next level. I am very proud of them.”
