From the legacy of Dahomey’s warrior women to the world stage, Benin’s rising cyclists join the Maryland Cycling Classic—representing resilience, equality, and the dreams of young girls across Africa.
Raimatou Kpovihouede
At just 24 years old, Raimatou Kpovihouede is one of Benin’s rising cycling talents. A former runner, she discovered cycling three and a half years ago and has quickly carved out her place in the sport. She rides for the Saffi Club Team as well as the Benin National Team, where she’s proud to represent her country under a federation she praises for its seriousness, discipline, and commitment to the sport.
Raimatou’s progression has taken her to international competition, including a spot on the roster for the prestigious Maryland Cycling Classic. For her, cycling is more than competition; it’s a way to better understand herself and explore her own potential.
Passionate about encouraging more women to take up the sport, Raimatou shares this message: “There’s a lot of opportunity in cycling to improve health, even if you never race.”
Charlotte Metoevi
At just 20 years old, Charlotte Metoevi is already the U23 National Road Cycling Champion of Benin. A rider for Zoum Zoum Club, she has been competing in cycling for three years and continues to stand out as one of the country’s brightest young talents.
Metoevi is eager to line up at the Maryland Cycling Classic, calling it “a great opportunity to learn from the best in the world and to show Benin women what level we’re at compared to the professional women.”
Proud to represent her nation, Charlotte also carries a message of empowerment: “I want to tell African women to believe in themselves. They’re incredible people.”
Estelle Agossounon
At 19 years old, Estelle Agossounon is the youngest member of Benin’s squad at the Maryland Cycling Classic. Racing for the Saffi Club, she has been dedicated to cycling since the age of 15. Her commitment was clear even as a student—during her school lunch breaks in Porto Novo, she would head to the team house, change quickly, train on Zwift for an hour, and return to class. That persistence has shaped her into one of Benin’s most promising young riders.
The Maryland Cycling Classic marks the biggest race of her career so far, and she’s eager for the experience. Agossounon also carries a message of inspiration for women across Africa: “I would like to tell African women they have the ability to follow in our footsteps. The race in Maryland will enable us to ride with other women from many different countries.”
Hermionne Ahouissou
At 27, Hermionne Ahouissou leads as the Captain of the Benin National Women’s Cycling Team. She rides for Turbo Cycling Club in Cotonou and has been competing in cycling for three years, following a successful career as a Rollerblade Speed and Endurance Champion from 2016 to 2019.
Her passion for cycling began when a friend introduced her to the sport, and from her very first rides, she remembers how welcoming—and serious—the Benin Cycling Federation was in nurturing her growth and promoting cycling development nationally.
As a trailblazer in Benin, Hermionne believes there’s great potential for women to excel in the sport, with fewer female racers opening unique opportunities. She is committed to encouraging women to persist in pursuing their dreams, just as she has done.
Proud to represent her country on the international stage, the Maryland Cycling Classic is a milestone moment in her leadership journey for Team Benin.