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Biniam Girmay: The African Cyclist Making Tour de France History
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1/1/2035
Biniam Girmay celebrates his historic win at a 2024 Tour de France stage, becoming the first black African to achieve this feat.
Biniam Girmay, hailed as the "African king" by his fans, is an international star and the first black African to win a Tour de France stage. At just 24, Girmay has achieved this feat three times this year, positioning him as a frontrunner for the coveted green jersey, awarded to the best sprinter in the grueling three-week competition.
Girmay's path to the top has been fraught with challenges, including culture shocks, stringent European visa procedures, and the loneliness of being far from his family.
Despite these hurdles, he has embraced his role as a hero in Eritrea and an inspiration for cyclists across Africa. His success is seen as a potential catalyst for change in a predominantly white sport; he is the only black rider among 176 in this year's Tour de France.
Born and raised in Eritrea, Girmay emerged on the international stage after being scouted by cycling's global governing body, the UCI. He noted that it is easier to win at the Tour de France than to become a champion in Eritrea due to the country's abundance of talented cyclists. Cycling, a popular sport in Eritrea since Italian colonial rule, is a source of national pride.
Girmay's journey began at 12 when he won his first mountain bike competition. A UCI scout spotted him at the African Championships, leading to his training at the World Cycling Centre in Switzerland. The transition was tough, marked by cultural adjustments and homesickness. In 2020, he joined French team Delko but faced setbacks when the team went bust during the COVID-19 pandemic. He later signed with Belgian team Intermarché–Wanty.
Girmay made history in 2022 by winning Belgium's Gent-Wevelgem, becoming the first African to win a one-day classic race. He followed this with another historic stage win at Giro d'Italia, despite a brief hospital visit after an accident with a prosecco cork.
Now living in Nice with his wife and daughter, Girmay continues to inspire. His victories have sparked celebrations in Eritrea and pride among African cycling fans. Following the Tour de France, Girmay will compete in the Paris Olympics and has high hopes for the World Championships in Rwanda next year.
Girmay's achievements showcase that cycling is for everyone, transcending racial and geographical boundaries.
