It is a first in the history of Beninese cycling. At just 18, Georgette Vignonfodo is heading off the roads of Benin to take her journey up a gear with training in Switzerland. She is hoping to lead the way for more of the continent's female cyclists.

Porto-Novo

Georgette Vignoufodo, an 18-year-old cyclist from Benin, has been selected to join the UCI World Cycling Centre in Switzerland, an elite development program run by the International Cycling Union. This marks the first time since 1960 that a cyclist from her country has advanced beyond the national level to join a continental team under the UCI.

Vignoufodo's achievement is seen as a milestone for women's cycling in Benin, where women remain a minority in the sport. Her selection is expected to inspire other young cyclists, as she prepares to undergo high-altitude training and compete at an international level.

Benin's 18-year-old cycling prodigy hopes to lead way for more women

They've already clocked up two hours on the road from Porto Novo. Along the Route des Peches, near Cotonou, the peloton keeps pushing on. Among them is 18-year-old Georgette Vignoufodo. On the 2nd of February, she will head to Switzerland after being selected to join the UCI World Cycling Centre, an elite development programme run by the International Cycling Union. It is a major milestone for her, and a powerful signal to other young cyclists. It motivates us to keep pushing and give our best. In this mixed peloton, women are still in the minority, but they are steadily claiming their place. She's ambitious, she knows what she wants, and it makes us want to help her all the way. Out on the road, Georgette Vignoufodo's determination stands out. Right now, the wind and the heat are my biggest challenges. She draws her inspiration from the sport's very bests, Tadej Bogacar among the men, and Demi Vollering, a global reference in mountain racing among the women. Once she heads to Switzerland, she'll go straight into a high-altitude training camp. Because taking the next step means more competition, and exposure to the highest level. Since 1960, she's been the first to go beyond the national level and join a continental team under the UCI. A first of its kind, changing what is considered possible. You're on your way to becoming a great champion, opening the door for other riders. On her indoor trainer, these are the final training sessions before flying to Europe and taking it to the next level. My biggest challenge once I'm there is to work better with the team and to learn from others. That is precisely the role of the centre preparing to welcome her in Switzerland. Coaching, close monitoring and competition. The UCI World Cycling Centre prepares young talents for international circuits.

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Breakdown