A victory over the Franco-Belgian, Wednesday, and a second place in the Brussels Cycling Classsic, this Sunday. If we add his second place in the Tour de Cologne on May 26, Biniam Girmay (Intermarché – Wanty) remains on three podiums in three races. Figures which reflect a welcome return to form, after a Giro aborted during a fall on the fourth stage and one month before the Tour de France.
”I am happy with my performances and my feelings”, specifies the one who was particularly comfortable on the cobblestones of the Mur de Grammont and in the Bosberg. Despite his second place this Sunday, behind Abrahmsen who managed to keep a few meters ahead of the peloton, his smile betrays a newfound confidence. And not just because he jumped Kaden Groves (Alpecin-Deceuninck) on the line. “These last few days have been important for me, don’t hide the Eritrean. LI missed podiums and it’s great to see that the whole team is approaching the races again with a winning mentality. Everything is back to normal and that makes me very happy.”
Three weeks in training
Could this be the start of Girmay’s return to the top, who had a complicated 2023 season and a checkered start to 2024 (victory in the Surf Coast Classic but a fairly anonymous classics spring then a fall at the Giro) ? “Physically I’m still a little too thin but I think mentally I’m very good. I’m going to go and prepare for three weeks at altitude to prepare for the Tour de France where the objective will be to win a stage.” And realize one of the great dreams of his career: becoming the first African to raise his arms on the Grande Boucle.
I’m still a little too thin for the Tour.
One thing is certain: he will be able to count on the support of his supporters, many of whom came to Brussels this Sunday. “It’s great to have that kind of support and respect. Whether I win or not, they are always there to encourage me. I can only thank them.” Before offering them a moment of history on the Tour? Response in a few weeks.
