close
close

chw-dumpling

First black African to win stage in Tour de France

First black African to win stage in Tour de France

•

Vaseline

HISTORICAL. First Tour de France stage win for Bini, his team and Eritrea.

IRiom cyclist Biniam Girmay made history by becoming the first black African cyclist to win a stage in the Tour de France. His victory in the third stage of the 2024 Tour de France, which was also the longest stage of the race, was widely celebrated in the mainstream media and on social media platforms.

This achievement is seen as a major milestone for African cycling and is seen as a source of inspiration for young African athletes.

Girmay finished just ahead of Fernando Gaviria and Arnaud De Lie. He said his victory was “for all Africans”.

“We have to be proud now. We are really part of the big races,” he said. “Now is our moment. It is our time.”

Before the podium ceremony began, Girmay greeted the Eritrean fans by waving their country’s green-red-blue flag.

“There’s a whole continent that’s been waiting for this,” said Aike Visbeek, the performance director of Girmay’s Intermarche-Wanty team. “It’s happened now and I hope it opens the floodgates for more riders from Africa. He’s an ambassador in every way.”

Girmay also made history in Italy two years ago when he won a stage in the Giro d’Italia, becoming the first black African to win a Grand Tour.

Also in 2022, Girmay became the first rider from a sub-Saharan country to win a one-day classic in Gent-Wevelgem.

Mark Cavendish also complimented Girmay.

“That’s just huge. Cycling is huge in Eritrea. It’s super good for him and for African cycling,” Cavendish said. “He’s a legend, isn’t he?”

•

Recent Posts

Social Media

Advertisement