Eritrean cyclist Biniam Girmay wrote his name in Tour de France history on July 1, 2024.
The Intermarche-Wanty rider became the first Black African to win a stage in the prestigious race. Girmay’s victory came in a thrilling sprint finish in Turin, Italy.
A Landmark Victory for African Cycling
Girmay’s win marks a significant milestone for African cycling. The 23-year-old outsprinted Fernando Gaviria and Arnaud De Lie to claim the 231-kilometer third stage. This achievement follows his historic Giro d’Italia stage win in 2022.
“We must be proud now. We are really part of the big races,” Girmay declared after his victory. “Now it’s our moment. It’s our time.” His win resonates beyond personal achievement, symbolizing progress for African cyclists in professional racing.
Chaotic Sprint Finale in Turin
The finale in Turin proved chaotic, with several top sprinters facing setbacks. A late crash split the peloton, leaving only about 20 riders to contest the sprint. Mathieu van der Poel, a key lead-out rider, suffered a mechanical issue.
Despite the chaos, Girmay timed his sprint perfectly. He surged up the right side along the barriers, overtaking early leaders Mads Pedersen, Gaviria, and De Lie. His victory was clear even before crossing the finish line.
Impact on Overall Tour Standings
While Girmay celebrated his stage win, Ecuador’s Richard Carapaz claimed the yellow jersey. Carapaz became the first Ecuadorian to lead the Tour de France, taking over from Tadej Pogacar. Both riders, along with Remco Evenepoel and Jonas Vingegaard, share the same overall time.
The general classification battle is set to intensify in the upcoming mountain stages. Stage 4 will challenge riders with the Col du Galibier, a classic Tour climb. This stage could reshape the overall standings significantly.
A New Era for African Cycling
Girmay’s victory represents more than just personal success. Aike Visbeek, performance director for Intermarche-Wanty, emphasized its broader significance: “There is a whole continent that has been waiting for this. It’s been done now, and I hope it will open the floodgates for more riders from Africa.”
This win builds on Girmay’s previous achievements, including his Giro d’Italia stage victory and his win at the Gent-Wevelgem classic in 2022. It firmly establishes him as a trailblazer for African cycling on the world stage.
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