Biniam Girmay endures the ‘hell’ of Roubaix on impressive debut: “It's the most painful to ride the bike on the cobblestone”

Biniam Girmay experienced the brutal reality of Paris-Roubaix for the first time on Sunday, putting in a strong ride to finish 15th on debut in the Queen of the Classics.

The Intermarché – Wanty rider handled the infamous cobbles with poise, avoiding crashes and mechanical issues that marred many others’ races. Though physically demanding, the 25 year old Eritrean emerged from the race with a sense of satisfaction.

“I would say it's not like crazy but for sure it's the most painful to ride the bike on the cobblestone,” he admitted to Cycling Pro Net.

Despite the pain, Girmay revealed the experience wasn't as bad as he feared, in part because his race was relatively smooth.

“I think I expect a lot worse but luckily I don't have any problems so that probably helped me to enjoy the race. I don't have any punctures or crashes so that's beautiful actually. I enjoy quite a lot and then to be able to do top 20 it was beautiful.”

Girmay played his part in a strong team performance from Intermarché–Wanty, who placed two riders in the top 10 and another in the top 20 alongside him.

“I think in the end of the day we need to be happy. We have two guys in the top 10, then also two guys in top 20, so it's beautiful.”

Asked about the pivotal moment after the race split around the Arenberg Forest, Girmay confessed that the chaos made it difficult to keep track of what was happening.

“I don't have any idea. I just race and then I just follow my front wheel and I don't have any idea what's going on. I just hear in the radio a couple of guys in the front and this and this, but yeah, it's really hell to ride in Arenberg.”

So, will he be back next year to take on the legendary pavé once again?

“I don't know, I'm not sure,” Girmay replied with a smile.