Biniam Girmay defeats Cavendish and Roglic in Tour de France Saitama Criterium

This week, cycling fans and professionals alike have been buzzing with excitement over the recently announced route for the 2025 Tour de France. One of the most talked-about aspects is the unique opportunity it offers to the sprinters: for the first time in years, they’ll have a chance to race for the prestigious yellow jersey on the opening day. This decision has generated significant anticipation within the sprinting community, setting the stage for a thrilling start to the Tour.

Meanwhile, the Saitama Criterium, a promotional event for the Tour de France held annually in Saitama, Japan, took place early on Saturday. The criterium serves as a celebratory extension of the Tour, bringing the excitement of the race to international fans.

This year’s event did not disappoint, as 2024 Tour de France points jersey winner Biniam Girmay claimed a hard-fought victory in the sprint. Girmay edged out major competitors, including Primoz Roglic and Mark Cavendish, to secure the win and reinforce his reputation as one of the top sprinters in the peloton.

With the 2025 Tour shaping up to be a spectacle, especially for the sprinters aiming for an early yellow jersey, the cycling world eagerly awaits more insights into how the new route will impact the race. Girmay’s recent victory in Japan only adds to the growing anticipation for what promises to be an unforgettable season in 2025.