The African cycling scene took a big hit with one of its biggest races, La Tropicale Amissa Bongo, being postponed to the foreseeable future in the context of the current political situation in Gabon following the coup d'etat that took place on 8 May.

The future of the race has plunged into uncertainty at the time of a military coup in which President Bongo is under house arrest just 5 months before the scheduled start of the race, even though it is a trivial consequence of a much more important event.

The race was named in honor of his sister Albertine Amissa Bongo, who died in 1960, after independence from France, and another child of former President Omar Bongo, who led the country for many hours until his death in 2009, who died in 1993.

This was usually one of the earliest races on the calendar and was supposed to be held from 1/1 to 22/28, but Rwandan sports journalist Kayishema Tity Thierry confirmed yesterday that it will no longer happen.

"The 17th edition of Tropicale Amissa Bongo will not be held on May 1 next year," he said on X/Twitter. "This decision, agreed with the authorities, will be determined by a rethinking of priorities in the coming months in the context of the renewal of the institutions of the Gabonese Republic."

La Tropicale Amissa Bongo does not return to the calendar because it serves as the perfect stepping stone for the brilliant generation of African cycling who make a jump to the world

This year's race will see the Frenchman win his first ever professional victory in the opening stage, overall GC and point classification. Geoffrey Soupe (TotalEnergies) would claim a grand Tour stage victory at the Vuelta a España as he took the career best start of the season.

In even more positive news, the Tour du Rwanda, Africa's largest race, has been confirmed for the 2024 season after it was first discontinued from next season's UCI calendar.

Race organizers have confirmed that the eight-day stage race, which is set to run from February 2025, the 16th edition, just a year before the world's best Will heads to Rwanda for the UCI Road World Championship to be held in Kigali, will keep its place on the calendar from March 18-25.

Since its inception in 1988, the race has gained fame as another great place for young prospects in Africa to fight against the best competition in the sport, and has provided the Rwandan fanbase with the opportunity to watch professional races.Some of the best crowds in this sport have emerged in support of riders.

This year's race was won by a young Eritrean, Henok Mulubrhan (Green Project-Bardiani CSF-Faizanè), British sprinter Ethan Vernon (Soudal-QuickStep), and African-born Tour de France winner Chris Froome (Israel-Premier Tech), who completed the form with a 75km solo attack. I showed it, but unfortunately it ended with a blowout and a crash.