Eritrea's Biniam Girmay has etched his name into cycling history by becoming the first Black African rider to win a stage at the Tour de France. This landmark achievement came as Girmay triumphed in a reduced bunch sprint at the end of the race's third stage on Monday.
Already the first Black African to secure a grand tour stage win at the 2022 Giro d'Italia, Girmay demonstrated exceptional timing and strategy to outpace Colombian Fernando Gaviria and Belgian Arnaud de Lie, who took second and third place respectively.
The stage also saw Richard Carapaz claim the overall lead, making history as the first rider from Ecuador to wear the yellow jersey. Carapaz overtook Tadej Pogacar without any time differences due to the stage's flat profile.
Despite a significant crash involving pre-stage favorite Jasper Philipsen with just 2.3 kilometers remaining, the leaders, including Pogacar and defending champion Jonas Vingegaard, remained unscathed. Carapaz worked diligently to secure the yellow jersey, while Girmay maintained composure near the safety barriers to deliver a memorable win for his Intermarche-Wanty team.
\"To be part of the Tour de France is already incredible. I was dreaming of taking part and now I can't control my emotions,\" a teary-eyed Girmay shared. \"With my first Tour last year, I acquired experience and I manage everything better. Winning today is unbelievable. To win a stage where all the best sprint specialists are present is unbelievable.\"
Girmay's victory marks a significant milestone for African cyclists, joining the ranks of South Africa's Robbie Hunter and Daryl Impey, the only other Black African riders to have previously won Tour de France stages.
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Girmay becomes first black African to win a Tour de France stage
cgtn.com
