Biniam Girmay grew up in Eritrea watching the Tour de France on TV every July with his father.
He idolized three-time world champion Peter Sagan, but never dared to dream of equaling the Slovakian cyclist’s exploits.
Then came Monday, when Girmay became the first black African cyclist – in fact, the first black cyclist from any continent – to win a Tour stage.
“I never dreamed of being part of the Tour de France,” said Girmay after wiping away some tears.
The timing couldn’t have been better. Next year, Rwanda will become the first African country to host road cycling world championships.
“It is our moment to show our strength and our potential,” said Girmay.
And to think that the initial plan of Girmay’s Belgian Intermarche-Wanty team was for the Eritrean to lead the sprint to Belgian teammate Gerben Thijssen. But when Girmay lost contact with his teammates in the frantic final, which saw Mark Cavendish and others caught in a crash, Girmay was given the green light.
“I heard on the radio that I should do it myself because I had already lost the steering wheel,” Girmay said. “For me, it’s always easier to find (space) alone. Then just close your eyes and seek victory.”
Sagan, who has won 12 stages in his Tour career, would have been proud of the way Girmay fought his way through a small gap to overtake Fernando Gaviria – winner of seven Grand Tour stages – at the line.
Girmay also made history in Italy two years ago, when he won a stage of the Giro d’Italia and became the first black African to win a Grand Tour. But Girmay’s Giro victory was marred when he was rushed to hospital after receiving hit in the left eye with a prosecco cork he opened up during the podium celebration – forcing him to abandon the race.
Girmay was more careful in his celebration this time.
“This victory is worth more,” said Girmay. “I have no words to explain how important this victory is for me and my continent.”
Girmay began competing in one-day races at home in Eritrea, then left home for the International Cycling Union’s development center in Aigle, Switzerland, in 2018.
In 2021, he won the silver medal in the under-23 road race at the world championships in Belgium. Then, in early 2022, Girmay won a one-day classic at Gent-Wevelgem Race in Belgium.
Merhawi Kudus and Daniel Teklehaimanot paved the way for Girmay when they became the first Eritreans to participate in the Tour de France in 2015 – when Teklehaimanot became the first African horseman to wear the King of the Mountains’ polka dot shirt. They raced for the South African team MTN-Qhubeka.
Human rights groups describe Eritrea as one of the most repressive countries in the world. Since gaining independence from Ethiopia three decades ago, the small Horn of Africa nation has been led by President Isaias Afwerki, who has never held elections.
Riders from only one other African country – South Africa – have won stages of the Tour: Robert Hunter (2007) and Daryl Impey (2019). Four-time Tour champion Chris Froome was born and raised in Kenya but represented Great Britain.
“This is very important for cycling,” said Aike Visbeek, performance director for Girmay’s Intermarche-Wanty team. “Now the world can see what’s possible when we give these guys a chance.”
And Girmay isn’t finished yet.
He is now top of the points standings for the Tour’s green jersey, which goes to the best sprinter in the race. And there are a few more race legs to go in this year’s race.
He is only 24 years old.
“My time has come,” said Girmay. “Now we are really part of the big races. We have many victories so it is our time, it is our moment. I never cry, but inside I am, I just have no words.”
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