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Ouagadougou's moped madnessGMI
They are the perfect mode of transport for this small African capital, especially considering that many here can't afford to own a car. So, 11 years ago, one of Ouagadougou's more dynamic citizens, Thiomiano Moustapha, was inspired to start an annual moped race around the city. Mr Moustapha is also the man who established Burkina Faso's first independent radio station, Horizon FM. Moped madness This year, some 500 young men - and one woman - risked their skins for the big prize - a brand new bike. bikers at fespaco 2005 Many were awake at 0300 perfecting their skills on the empty roads. They have more or less equal engines, so the speed is all in the rider's style. To make themselves more aerodynamic, they lie horizontally on the bikes, heads down, legs straight out behind and this in nothing more protective than T-shirts and flip flops. This year and last year, however, helmets were compulsory. At 0600, all 15 miles of Ouagadougou's main thoroughfare, l'Avenue Charles de Gaulle, was lined with people. At the starting point, people climbed trees to get a better view, and the roofs of buildings were packed. Excitement In fact, there was such a throng, and no barriers, that at times the crowd spilled over onto the road and was beaten back by police truncheons. Finally, at 0900, it was time for Mr Moustapha, flamboyant in his Stetson, to start the race. Photographers were nearly mown down as the 500 jostle for position, and several came off. Thiomiano Moustapha The bikes have to do five rounds, and the excitement builds with each one. Miraculously no one was seriously hurt, despite the acrobatics of the riders, and the closeness of the crowd. As the winner drew in, it was claimed that he travelled at 150 km per hour. He was 20 years old, and this was the sixth time he had entered the race. So, how did he manage to win this time? "I prepared myself mentally and physically." Another thing, he'd come to avenge being beaten into third place last year.
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