This edition of the Tour de France has many surprises in store. This Monday, Biniam Girmay (Intermarché-Wanty) created a sensation by becoming the first Eritrean to win a stage on the Grande Boucle. The sprinter from the Belgian team was able to take advantage of the absence of the big favourite Jasper Philipsen (Alpecin-Deceuninck), caught in a fall close to the finish. Girmay then took the wake of Mads Pedersen (Lidl-Trek) before dislodging the Dane to win with a bike lead over Fernando Gaviria (Movistar) et Arnaud de Lie (Lotto Dstny). His biggest win.
Biniam Girmay wins his first Tour victory
“I can not believe it”
Biniam Girmay was very moved when he spoke to the microphone after the race: “Since I started cycling, I always dreamed of being part of the Tour de France, but now I can’t believe it, to win a stage in the Tour de France in my second year in a big bunch sprint, for me it’s incredible.” Overcome with emotion, the winner of a stage of the Giro had to take breaks during his interview.
“I just want to thank my family, my wife, all Eritreans and Africans, we must be proud, now we are really part of the big races, this is our moment, our time. I just want to say congratulations to all my team, because we didn’t have a victory yet. But now, this is our moment, I’m super happy. This victory is for all Africans” declared the winner of the day.
