Biniam Girmay, the celebrated "African king" of cycling, made history by becoming the first black African to win a Tour de France stage, achieving this feat three times in one year. At 24, he is set to win the green jersey as the best sprinter.
Early Life and Rise to Fame;
Born and raised in Asmara, Eritrea, Girmay's passion for cycling was inspired by his cousin, African champion Meron Teshome. Despite Eritrea's small population, it boasts a wealth of cycling talent. Girmay was scouted by the UCI at the African Championships and trained at the World Cycling Centre in Switzerland.
Challenges and Breakthroughs;
Girmay faced significant challenges, including culture shock, visa issues, and separation from his family. He overcame these obstacles and joined French team Delko in 2020. His journey faced further hurdles due to the pandemic and Delko's bankruptcy.
Making History;
In 2022, Girmay made history by winning Belgium's Gent-Wevelgem, becoming the first African to win a one-day classic race. He followed this with a stage win at Giro d'Italia. Despite these victories, Girmay faced homesickness and physical setbacks, including an eye injury from a prosecco cork.
Inspiration and Legacy;
Girmay's success has made him a hero in Eritrea and an inspiration for African cyclists. He is celebrated for breaking racial barriers in a predominantly white sport. His victories have sparked pride and joy among Eritrean fans and brought positive attention to his country.
Future Aspirations;
Looking ahead, Girmay aims to compete in the Paris Olympics and the World Championships in Rwanda. His potential victory in Rwanda would hold immense significance, symbolizing an African cyclist's triumph on African soil.
Girmay's journey, marked by perseverance and groundbreaking achievements, continues to inspire and pave the way for future generations of African cyclists.
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