Biniam Girmay: "I have not experienced any racist episodes during my entire career"

Biniam Girmay was interviewed a few days ago by Nacho Labarga at the Saitama Criterium. The Eritrean sprinter has completed an exceptional season, the one of his consolidation in the elite, winning 3 stages and the green jersey of the Tour de France.

Asked by Marca if he had experienced the best moments of his life, he qualified his answer by making it clear that personal matters are above sporting matters: "It's something unthinkable. But, even so, I wouldn't say it's the best moment of my life, because that was when my daughter was born. After that, though, and especially in sports, it would be these triumphs."

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About the madness in Eritrea and everywhere he goes around the world to compete with his compatriots, he explains what he feels and the consequences of fame: "The fans in my country are very spirited. Cycling in Eritrea is really popular. Of course it has its good side, but I really like to live a quiet life." It can be said at this point that the Eritrean fans are quite supportive of their riders, perhaps more than any other nation as they are always very visible in any race they're present in.

Dealing with fame, something that is never easy however: "I love to be supported, but on the other hand I don't like to be with a lot of people because this sport requires a lot of rest. You have to train, you have to rest, you have to follow all the programs. But I can also understand people, because they are very happy. That's why they want to meet me. But I try to go on with my life".

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Racism in cycling

Girmay talks about a complicated issue such as racism, stating that his experience as a cyclist is very positive in this regard and that he has always felt very respected:

"I have not experienced any racist episodes during my entire career, I have always been treated very well wherever I have been although we have seen episodes of this style in other sports. In cycling it's the other way around. For example, in Spain, everyone is happy, they encourage me and support me. And here in Japan, the same. Cycling has a positive atmosphere in this aspect".

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