Biniam Girmay First Black African Rider to Win a Tour de France Stage

Biniam Girmay – history maker' is a phrase that has become synonymous with the Eritrean rider in recent years, and for good reason. From his silver at the Leuven Worlds in 2021 to his victories at Gent-Wevelgem and the Giro d'Italia in 2022, Girmay has consistently shattered barriers. This week, he added another milestone to his illustrious career by becoming the first Black African to win a Tour de France stage.

Historic Victory in Turin

Biniam Girmay, the Eritrean cycling sensation, has become the first Black African to win a stage at the Tour de France. This victory, achieved during the third stage in Turin, is a milestone that resonates far beyond the cycling community. Girmay’s sprint to the finish, outpacing formidable competitors like Fernando Gaviria and Arnaud De Lie, showcases his exceptional talent and strategic acumen. This win follows his previous groundbreaking successes, including a silver medal at the Leuven Worlds in 2021 and stage victories at Gent-Wevelgem and the Giro d'Italia in 2022.

Reflecting on his triumph, Girmay shared, “It means a lot personally for me. And especially for the continent because it's been a long time for African Black riders to not win at the Tour de France. It means a lot, especially for Eritrean cycling because we have a long history with cycling. We have cycling in our blood and know a lot about the Tour de France, so to win today was amazing.”

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The Thrilling Sprint to the Finish

The stage, stretching 231 kilometers from Piacenza to Turin, was the longest of the Tour, offering the first real opportunity for a mass sprint. The race was marked by a high-speed crash at 2.8 kilometers to go, which took out several riders and created chaos within the peloton. Among the survivors of this crash were the elite sprinters who would vie for the stage victory.

As the riders approached the final kilometer, the tension was palpable. Up front, Laurens Rex, Mike Teunissen, and Gerben Thijssen of Intermarché-Wanty led the charge, but as they peeled off, the race dynamics shifted. Decathlon AG2R’s Paul Lapeira and Sam Bennett, along with Lidl-Trek’s sprint duo Jasper Stuyven and Mads Pedersen, surged forward.

Mads Pedersen was the first to launch his sprint, going early with 200 meters to the line. Hot on his heels, Fernando Gaviria and Arnaud De Lie powered through the middle, seeking any gap to push ahead. Amid this frenzy, Girmay found himself momentarily without the support of his lead-out train, navigating the final stretch with razor-sharp instincts.

"I remember in the last kilometre closing my eyes and then trying to get the best possible wheel because I lost my teammates," Girmay recounted. "I just found the right wheel and did a smart way to move – not on the left side because there was a lot of wind, so I just tried to move close to the barrier and luckily didn't have an accident."

In a heart-stopping move, Girmay squeezed past Pedersen on the right, so close to the barriers that it seemed there was barely room for his bike. With extraordinary determination and a burst of speed, he surged ahead in the final 50 meters, securing his victory by a bike length.

"You just close your eyes and go for it – I crossed the line first," Girmay said, his voice filled with both relief and joy.

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Impact on African Cycling

Girmay’s win is more than a personal achievement; it is a testament to the growing prominence of African cyclists in the global arena. His success underscores the rich cycling culture in Eritrea and the continent’s potential to produce world-class athletes. "For sure they'll make a lot of films and TV," Girmay noted. "I remember when I won at the Giro, I got a lot of people saying that they're watching in the bar, and they really throw away the bottles and also the tables because they're super happy. Today, to be honest, I think it will be already crazy. I can't imagine. I have a lot of support and a lot of people behind me to motivate me. But now I don't have any words to describe it. For sure, it's already on fire."

Aike Visbeek, the performance director for Girmay’s team, Intermarché-Wanty, echoed this sentiment, expressing hope that this victory will open the floodgates for more African riders in the sport. The sight of Girmay greeting Eritrean fans waving their national flag after his win epitomizes the pride and joy felt across the continent.

Challenges Ahead

The 2024 Tour de France, with its demanding stages and fierce competition, promises to be a true test of endurance and skill. Girmay’s victory came during the longest stage of the Tour, a grueling 231-kilometer ride from Piacenza to Turin. The stage was marked by a crash that affected many riders, including Mark Cavendish, whose pursuit of a record-breaking 35th stage win was postponed. Despite these challenges, Girmay’s strategic sprint and determination carried him to a historic finish.

Looking ahead, the race will return to France, with the upcoming stages featuring the Col du Galibier, one of the Tour’s classic climbs. This stage will be crucial for overall contenders like Tadej Pogacar and Jonas Vingegaard, who are vying to reclaim the yellow jersey from Richard Carapaz.

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