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Biniam Girmay Becomes First Black African to Win Tour de France Stage
Tuesday, July 2, 2024
Eritrean Cyclist Biniam Girmay's Historic Victory in Turin
Biniam Girmay made history as the first black African to win a Tour de France stage, triumphing in a dramatic finish in Turin. Eritrea's Girmay clinched victory in a reduced sprint, beating Colombia's Fernando Gaviria and Belgium's Arnaud de Lie. The stage, a 230.8km route from Piacenza, was marred by a late crash that disrupted many riders, including Mark Cavendish.
Cavendish, aiming for a record 35th stage win, was caught out of position due to the crash just over 2km from the finish. He and several others avoided serious injury but lost the chance to compete in the final sprint.
Richard Carapaz became the first Ecuadorian to wear the yellow jersey, leading the general classification tied on time with Tadej Pogacar, Remco Evenepoel, and Jonas Vingegaard.
At the finish, an emotional Girmay, 24, reflected on his victory.
"I would say thanks to God for everything, for giving me all the strength and support," he said. "Since I started cycling I was never dreaming to be part of the Tour de France but now I can't believe it. I want to say thank you to my family, my wife, Eritrea, and Africa. We must be proud. Now is our moment, now is our time. This is for all Africa."
Cavendish and his Astana-Qazaqstan teammates were on the right side of the road when the crash occurred. The 39-year-old expressed relief at avoiding injury, having crashed out last year on stage eight.
"Something was going to happen," Cavendish said. "You could feel it but you didn't know where or when.
I heard it happening ahead so you're on the brakes, you skid and you wait for somebody to hit you from behind.
Thankfully we were OK and I don't think anyone was seriously hurt. We didn't sprint but we're safe and that's the main thing."
The Tour heads into the Alps on Tuesday, tackling the mighty Col du Galibier on the mountainous 139.6km route from Pinerolo to Valloire.
