Eritrea honored in the Giro! Biniam Girmay continued to write history by becoming the first black African rider to win a stage in a Grand Tour on Tuesday in Jesi.
Less than two months following his success in Ghent-Wevelgem, the first of an African rider in a classic, Girmay confirmed the extent of his qualities. As proof, the name of his runner-up, the Dutchman Mathieu van der Poel, who gave a thumbs up when he got up a few meters from the line to salute the performance of his younger brother (22 years old) in the 10th stage.
His joy was only tarnished by an unforeseen accident during the official ceremony. He was injured in one eye by the cork of a bottle he had just shaken and had to go to the hospital for treatment.
In a few months, the Eritrean, who went through the World Cycling Center, a structure of the International Cycling Union (UCI) for talents from less favored countries, took his place in the Gotha of the peloton. On Tuesday, the entire Belgian Intermarché team put themselves at their service in the final, which was very lively but controlled by Girmay’s men.
If van der Poel dispersed in several attacks – efforts which he undoubtedly paid for in the final sprint -, Girmay remained vigilant, very well placed, in the last climb, at the entrance of the last 10 kilometers. This climb, swallowed at high speed, condemned the Frenchman Arnaud Démare, the wearer of the cyclamen jersey in the points classification which Girmay is also aiming for.
“I was really good, it’s really not much,” explained Démare, who might only see: “Girmay is coming back strong in the standings.” Precisely three points while the Eritrean, turned professional in 2020 in the French team Delko before joining Intermarché in the spring of 2021, is playing his first big tour.
– Colonial past and childhood dream –
“Every day we write a new story,” smiled Girmay, his face still smiling. “I can say that I am happy and grateful,” added the Eritrean, who is a sporting honor for his country.
Often celebrated by emigrant compatriots in Europe at the start and finish of the races, Girmay had insisted before the departure from Hungary on the particularity that the Tour of Italy has for Eritrea, because of the colonial links dating from the end of the 19th century. and in the first half of the 20th century.
“As a child, I watched the Giro d’Italia on television with my friends. I went out cycling with the dream of one day being able to participate in a Grand Tour”, said the Eritrean.
“With the team, we have set ourselves the goal of achieving a stage victory. If I am lucky enough to achieve this, I will become the first black African to win a stage in a Grand Tour. my silver medal at the World Hopes and my victory in Ghent-Wevelgem, that would mean a lot for my country, for the African continent and for cycling in general”, he added.
During this hot day, the Giro paid tribute to one of its former winners, Michele Scarponi (winner in 2011 following the downgrading of Spaniard Alberto Contador), who died five years ago following being knocked down in training by a truck. The race moved to Filottrano, the town of the Italian runner whose giant portrait was displayed on the walls of the town centre.
On Wednesday, the 11th stage presents a rigorously flat profile from Santarcangelo di Romagna to Reggio Emilia, on an often straight course of 203 kilometers. The sprinters have a first-rate chance at the end of a 350-meter straight in the town of Emilia where Fernando Gaviria won in 2017 during the previous Giro finish.
