Biniam Girmay

A powerful sprinter and classics rider who became the first African to win a Grand Tour stage and a Tour de France jersey classification.

Born in Asmara, Eritrea, on September 16, 2000, Biniam Girmay emerged from a nation with a growing cycling tradition despite limited infrastructure and resources. He began competing internationally as a junior, representing Eritrea in various competitions before joining the European professional cycling circuit. His early career was marked by steady development within continental teams, where he honed his sprinting skills while maintaining an unusual ability to handle challenging terrain. Girmay's breakthrough came during his tenure with Intermarché–Wanty–Gobert Matériaux, where he established himself as a formidable competitor in both one-day classics and stage races. In 2022, he achieved multiple significant victories, including stages at the Giro d'Italia and notable performances in Belgian classics. His success continued into 2023 and 2024, with stage wins at the Tour de France and consistent results across various race formats. His versatility as a sprinter who could survive in mountainous terrain distinguished him from traditional pure sprinters. The defining moment of Girmay's career occurred at the 2022 Giro d'Italia, where he became the first Black African rider to win a Grand Tour stage. This historic achievement was followed by additional Grand Tour stage victories, cementing his status among cycling's elite sprinters. His ability to compete successfully in both flat sprint finishes and more selective terrain has produced victories across diverse race conditions, from cobbled classics to mountainous stage races. Girmay's achievements transcend individual success, representing a significant milestone for African cycling on the sport's biggest stages. His presence in the professional peloton has elevated the profile of Eritrean and African cycling internationally, inspiring a new generation of riders from the continent. As one of cycling's most prominent young talents, he has demonstrated that riders from developing cycling nations can compete at the highest level, contributing to the sport's global expansion and diversification.

Girmay is a sprinter known for his explosive finishing speed and tactical intelligence in bunch sprints. He demonstrates excellent bike handling skills in chaotic sprint finishes and has shown the ability to compete with the world's best sprinters on flat stages.

Girmay has broken significant barriers as the first Black African rider to win stages at both the Giro d'Italia and Tour de France, opening doors for African cycling.

• Tour de France Points Classification 2024
• Tour de France 3 stage wins 2024
• Giro d'Italia stage win 2022
• Gent-Wevelgem 2022
• Circuit Franco-Belge 2024